SCHOOL VIOLENCE DISTURBING

To the editor: RE: Biting and hitting: Violence on the rise in Halton District School Board elementary schools, according to teachers' union president

The comment expressed in this article, about violence increasing in schools, is disturbing. I do have trouble believing, however, "anyone who works in a school with children is at risk."

Undoubtedly, the school environment is changing. There is a definite shortage of tolerance and respect for both students and teachers.

A student in Renfrew was suspended for voicing his view there are only two genders. Police barred his attempt to return to class. A Halton teacher wore obscene attire to class and has been placed on home assignment. The board has yet to implement a staff dress code. Meanwhile, the school has received bomb threats.

In Barrie, a teacher is still battling the school board for speaking out against critical race theory. I know students are asked to provide their pronouns at start of the school year.

Limits on free speech, identity politics and race theory do more to divide people than to create harmony. The lack of consideration for individual expression and enforced adherence to a progressive culture is divisive and breeds anger.

Our school boards, which impose their historically flawed and unscientific views of society on students must stop. These woke educators are not serving our communities well.

Perhaps it is time for our Minister of Education Stephen Lecce to step in and overhaul the system. Get back to teaching basics.

More free dialogue, tolerance and respect in schools will improve harmony and reduce violence.