I do not believe that schools are a platform to express or promote political beliefs. Therefore, I do not believe teachers should be allowed to wear buttons to promote their political beliefs in the classroom or anywhere else on the school property given they have the trust of our vulnerable and easily influenced youth.
Schools are not allowed to promote religious beliefs – how can we condone the promotion of political beliefs – all in the name of freedom of speech.
There are numerous other professions in the community who work with children – police officers, nurses, doctors, coaches, counsellors, psychologists to name just a few – should they also be allowed to wear buttons to promote their political beliefs in the name of free speech?
The CODE Handbook: Consortium on Diversity in Education states that schools should educate about all political and religious and cultural beliefs and values – not specific beliefs and values.
I believe we have a moral obligation to embrace diversity of all beliefs and not promote our personal beliefs with our educational system.
As a closing remark – there are a lot of countries in the world that use and influence youth for their own religious and political purposes.
Do we need or want this in B.C./Canada?
Pat Hook
North Saanich