Freedom of Expression

As a departing school trustee in November 2015, I asked the SD57 board of education to consider this motion:

Motion: that the Board of Education create a Freedom of Speech and Whistle Blower Policy to accompany the existing and future policies related to technology and communication such as 6179 Acceptable Use of Networks

Process: The policy would follow the traditional cycle of being drafted at Policy and Governance, seek input form partner groups, undergo revisions at Policy and Governance and be presented to the Board for approval. The policy could stand alone from a revised 6179 Acceptable Use of Networks

Rationale: Other districts have a full set of complimentary policies that outline rights and responsibilities of employees related to technology and communication. We have the responsibilities part but not the rights. This is important as the Board subcommittee on technology is currently studying use of mobile technology and will likely have motions or policy recommendations arising from this work. Having clear statements protecting freedom of speech, including respect for those who share concerns, is a characteristic of a healthy school district that is not afraid to change and move forward.

To my knowledge, this hasn't gone anywhere yet. Why does the School District need a policy like this? Here are some points I brought up (plus a few more) at the March Board meeting as I encouraged the new trustees to dust off this motion and think about what they could do next.

• Back in 2008 a case was heard in BC... kinzie/bcpsea
• Just like students, many adults live life in both the real world and digital world. It is seamless now, and conversations that start face to face often move online and vice versa. 
• School districts should encourage global dialogue instead of restricitng staff to local ‘water cooler’ conversations 
• If there is a worry about what more freedom of expression would look like? Ex. teachers strike - massive effort by teachers and others across the province to engage the public. The school district did not suffer from this outpouring of strong views and in fact parents are better informed about the issues now 
• As a trustee I had many conversations regarding this, many messages sent to me by teachers, CUPE staff, PEA staff, and principals who wanted to express concerns, question decisions, even just throw out ideas but were afraid of reprisals. They know they are monitored and some get talked to, but they have to guess about which topics are ok and which are going to get them in trouble. 
• A policy is needed that makes it clear that easy, respectful, and challenging freedom of expression is something valued by the employer. 
• Rather than a culture of hushed conversations, forbidden topics, and fear, I would encourage you to create a policy that shows you embrace open and honest dialogue. 
• This would be a policy that would compliment partner groups, and take the pressure off of them to have to monitor and defend their own members