Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

Protest

1 Million March 4 Children protest underway in Grande Prairie

Sep 20, 2023 | 3:22 PM

A protest called “The 1 Million March 4 Children” is taking place across Canada today.

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

The group is protesting the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Curriculum, (SOGI), and other gender ideologies in schools, such as mixed-gender bathrooms and children choosing their pronouns, with the goal of removing these practices entirely from schools.

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

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Counter-protests have also been set up across the nation in response, pushing the message “No Space For Hate”.

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

Locally, a group of roughly 200 people was seen protesting outside both the Catholic and public school board offices and in Avondale Park. The group sported signs with slogans such as; “Parents Have Rights”, “Save Our Children”, and “Education Not Indoctrination, Stop SOGI 123”.

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

In response to this protest, a counter-protest of roughly 20 to 30 people was organized, near Avondale Park, on the corner of 113 Avenue and 102 Street by the stop sign. It was pushing the message, “Protect Trans Kids”, and “No Space For Hate”.

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

At this time, Grande Prairie RCMP remains on the scene.

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

As school boards across the province have seen protests all day, the Alberta Teacher’s Association President, Jason Schilling, released the following statement regarding “The 1 Million March 4 Children”:

“All students deserve to feel safe and welcome at school. Alberta teachers are tireless in their efforts to include all students and families and to protect them from discrimination at school.

In fact, the Education Act explicitly states that all students and staff in the province’s public, Catholic and francophone schools are to be provided with a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and creates a sense of belonging.

Today, on the doorstep of the Alberta Teachers’ Association and across the province, we witnessed a protest by a group intending to undermine the right of all students to safe spaces at school. Using “parental consent” as camouflage, this rally was part of a coordinated strike across North America to promote misinformation, intolerance and hate toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as toward teachers who work to protect the safety and well-being of all students.

Efforts in schools to support sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) education are not what the protestors are portraying it is. SOGI education is intended to ensure that sexual and diverse students and families feel safe in schools by ensuring that all students gain a better understanding of how different students identify.

In the face of the homophobia and transphobia behind today’s events, a beautiful, powerful outpouring of support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, teachers, and their allies emerged. It was heartwarming and uplifting to see. Thank you to all the individuals and groups who have reached out to demonstrate their support.

Attacks on sexual and gender-diverse students and school staff have been increasing to alarming levels and must be stopped. I encourage all Albertans and, especially, political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to stand with teachers with open hearts and minds and to advocate for inclusive schools for all students. We must demonstrate collective and unwavering support to keep schools safe for all kids.”