Luke Fevin, a Director with the SEA was part of a panel on Alberta Primetime this week
http://alberta.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=609801
And and editorial in the Taber Times comments on the Lord’s Prayer in schools.
http://www.tabertimes.com/editorial/2015/05/06/church-and-state-need-separation/
Former Alberta Education Minister, David King, has put together a summary of why Alberta has a separate school system (both public and Catholic school districts) and whether the system can be changed. (Hint: yes, and other provinces have done it already.)
By Jay Gamble
I would like to start by saying that I am not one to join atheist groups. I go about my atheism quietly. Recent events have forced me to be more vocal; and Mr. Luke Fevin’s recent bravery has inspired me to speak out against state-sanctioned religion in Alberta classrooms.
I am intentionally not naming the school board or the school my children attend, because I do not want my children targeted for not being Christian. I live in a very small rural community; my children attend a K-12 school with fewer than 300 students. I do not want my children to be ostracized or bullied for my beliefs (or lack of belief).
We recently received an email expressing some anger at the change to the public school system in Morinville. It probably isn’t an isolated sentiment, so we have decided to reply to it publically (names removed).
I’d like to take opportunity to congratulate your society for turning our town of Morinvilleon its back.
I’m sure you are feeling smug about your accomplishments of assisting a handful to purge God out of our school, an amazing school that my girls proudly attended years ago. Continue reading »
Morinville will have genuine public education in a complete school building for the first time in September 2012. The tremendous effort to gain inclusive public education for Morinville has been a group endeavor. We the mothers, fathers and children of Morinville wish to sincerely thank you and the Society of Edmonton Atheists for the support and encouragement you have provided. When we began asking questions of our school board and investigating the public education situation in Morinville we were alone and without resources or relationships. As we pressed our local and provincial representatives we learned that our questions, evidence and experiences were being ignored or dismissed.
Without the contributions and follow through of individuals and organizations like the SEA who stepped up and advanced our advocacy by your involvement, we would not have achieved this opportunity.
Thank you sincerely. We are so very grateful.
Donna Hunter
The Sturgeon Act was proclaimed Thursday (switching Catholic Board to Separate & Sturgeon to Public in Morinville & Protestant to Public in St. Albert). Friday it was announced the Georges Vanier School will be transferred from the Catholic division to the Sturgeon Public Division. A victory for the Morinville parents in their fight for a secular education for their children.
http://alberta.ca/acn/201206/32422A90AF34F-B8AC-B4C4-3E96AB48D0D298AC.html
http://morinvillenews.com/2012/06/01/georges-p-vanier-to-go-to-public-division-this-fall/