CAQ gives lesson in coercive power

Re: “Symbols ban for teachers would be cruel, absurd” (Martin Patriquin, Jan. 31)

The Coalition Avenir Québec government wants to ban the wearing of religious symbols by government workers with “coercive power,” including teachers.

Coercion is the practice of forcing another party to act in an involuntary manner by means of threats or force.

My teacher family members use persuasion and compassion to promote confidence in their students and ignite curiosity and love of learning.

The only government workers wielding “coercive power” are the CAQ. Mary Schurman, N.D.G.