It’s very troubling how the BCTF has defined “social justice” to involve only those issues that are on the Left’s agenda–as if wealth creation, true free speech, and the protection of the family weren’t also legitimate “social” issues relating to “justice.”
Some other thoughts: The hardcore gender stuff is predictable but lamentable. I’m somewhat more surprised (but really shouldn’t be) by the deeply biased “Search for Justice in the Middle East” seminar. Problems centre on the lop-sided panel:
1. Anne Roberts, a journalist, has a track record of being anti-Israel. See: http://www.jewishindependent.ca/Archives/Feb03/archives03Feb28-14.html.
2. Mordecai Briemberg is a longtime far-leftwing activist and a participant in the noxious “Israel Apartheid” movement. See: http://winnipegwobbly.blogspot.com/2010/03/israeli-apartheid-week-organizers.html.
3. Sid Shniad is also a solid supporter of the controversial, Israel-bashing “Israel Apartheid” movement. See: http://www.sources.com/Releases/NR1197.htm.
Some balance!
(Reference:)
D03 Searching for justice in the Middle East
Mordecai Briemberg (CanPalNet), Anne Roberts (Langara), Sid Shniad (TWU)
Using the dual lenses of democracy and equality, this workshop will look at zones of conflict in the Middle East, particularly Egypt and Palestine/Israel. We will explore ways that teachers can help students unpack the roots of conflict in the region, and understand the significance of it for us in Canada through respectful exploration of issues and with an open exchange of views.