Let us talk, listen and hear

Let's talk, George:

How disappointing the story in last week's George Herald about a York High teacher walking out on a debate on "race, racism and white privilege" followed by parents complaining. Walking out on and complaining about a vibrant debate demonstrates a disconnection with relevant debates and progressive educational trends.

The education system has hopefully long evolved beyond the belief that learners are empty vessels to be filled with book knowledge.

Education is so much more. A successful education system encourages debate and allows listening to and hearing opinions, especially around pertinent and sensitive issues which are at the heart of a vibrant and working democracy. This is the only way we will raise active citizens able to influence and shape our society. What a privilege if our children leave school able to listen to other people even when the conversation is uncomfortable, a valuable life-skill indeed. Undermining a young woman who has earned a position of leadership feeds the patriarchal society where women's voices continue to be silenced and where levels of physical and emotional abuse against women are extraordinarily high. In this Women's Month we are surely extra sensitive to the need for an education system which provides a space where girls find their voices and where their opinions are respected. In this age of transformation and of conversation it is imperative that our schools, learners and especially our educators and parents, foster and demonstrate inclusivity, tolerance and most importantly provide a safe space where young people can share their experiences, exercise their voices and be heard. Let's talk, listen and hear.