One Onoway Jr./High School student has taken Alberta’s Inspiring Education document to heart.
In 2009, the Alberta government created a vision document to help guide the Kindergarten to Grade 12 system into the 21st century. At the heart of the document is what many in education are calling the triple E statement.
Going into the future, Alberta Education wants to create students who are engaged thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit and are ethical citizens.
And if Kaela Wilton is any example, it seems Alberta Education and Onoway Jr./Sr. High School is doing a good job of doing just that.
Earlier this year, Wilton asked her art teacher and the principal, if she could paint a wall mural that would not only show her support for gay students, but initiate discussion about gay rights. Both agreed so she began work completing the piece in mid January.
About a week later, school administration decided to cover up the mural, which depicts two young men in an embrace who are kissing, with a bulletin board after receiving complaints from parents.
School principal James Trodden, said he should have thought it out more thoroughly before deciding to grant permission to Wilton.
He said the school has a no kissing policy and therefore allowing a mural in the hallway depicting an action that was against school policy didn’t make a lot of sense.
Opponents of the covering the mural argue that there are many items in the classroom that mention or depict in some manner actions that contravene school policies. The school library alone would be full of books that depict displays of public affection, theft, and many other things that are all against school rules. Yet, they remain.
It appears Wilton’s classmates also believe this logic is suspect because in an act of civil disobedience, they uncovered the mural.
The fact remains that schools and school boards have the responsibility to ensure students have the most safe and comfortable learning environment as possible. It is a hard job to be sure, but considering administration received complaints over the mural, it is clear that there were students and parents who were uncomfortable, and the school made the correct decision when they decided to cover up the mural.
Wilton should also be applauded. No matter if people agree with the mural, she had the courage to not only to stand up for her beliefs, but to act. The very basis of an Engaged, Ethical student that has an Entrepreneurial spirit.
Currently the mural remains uncovered and Trodden said a final decision will not be made until he has a chance to consult students, parents and the community.
