The Gore Global Warming controversies re: truth or otherwise of his film, books, speeches, etc. has at least exposed a lot more food for thought. To me, the most important outcome so far has been the revealing of the existence of anti-indoctrination legislation in the English School Act, 1996. How many of our School Acts in the states, provinces, countries have similar sections, and if not, why not — given present politics in schools?
Section 406 of the Education Act says that local education authorities, school governing bodies and head teachers "shall forbid…the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject in the school".
And if political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, the authority, the governors and the head are required by Section 407 to take "such steps as are reasonably practicable to secure that…they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views".
The High Court Judge, Mr. Justice Burton, stated that "there would have been a breach of sections 406 and 407 ….but for the bringing of these proceedings… ". He awarded two-thirds costs against the Government. At least one can be grateful that in England there was an Act and courts to provide some remedy to the parent who brought this case forward (Mr Stewart Dimmock) however costly it was to him. Society benefits when captive audiences of students in schools are presented balanced pictures of controversial issues.
The Judge did NOT forbid the showing of the film ( as was hoped ) but did required amended guidelines to apply:
1. The Film is a political work and promotes only one side of the argument.
2. If teachers present the Film without making this plain they may be in breach of section 406 of the Education Act 1996 and guilty of political indoctrination.
3. Nine inaccuracies have to be specifically drawn to the attention of school children.
I will try and determine how many of our 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada have "indoctrination" laws and guidelines.
Can we try and get a world picture?
Yes, it is a good idea to get a “world view” on statutory protections against force-fed indoctrination in government schools.
Are there opting out provisions for students and parents to request non-attendance when controversial topics, without balancing guidelines, are being presented?
I agree. Comparisons will be useful. I am asking my contacts in the Education Consumers Clearinghouse to help in this survey. TA