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Attacks on education

Letters

Editor:

June 7’s letter “Water before rainbows” marks the second time in the past several weeks that the word “indoctrination” has been used in this local paper in reference to teachers. In my opinion this is worrisome. Recently there has been a rise in efforts across the globe to shut down schools and silence educators, with the accusation of “indoctrination” being the excuse. Often far-right governments are behind these attacks on education. (Hungary and Brazil are two examples.)

The term indoctrination means “teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically,” which is the opposite of what public education and teachers in this country are trained to do. Teachers use provincially vetted curriculum to guide students towards critical thinking. Teaching students how to respectfully share their own opinions on climate change (scientific fact) or gay rights (Canadian law) is not indoctrination. To expect that science and law not be taught in class because it goes against one’s beliefs is.

Amy Brooks, Gibsons