Benita Pedersen & Jojo Ruba - Protecting Children's Future & Parental Rights in Schools

The Lavigne Show

In this episode, we bring together a panel of advocates focused on protecting children's future by upholding parental rights and transparency in Canadian schools. Hosted by Paula Lavigne, the discussion covers the recent legislative changes proposed in Alberta, parental involvement in educational decisions, and the importance of safeguarding children's innocence.

Key Segments and Speakers:
Opening with Paula Lavigne
Paula sets the stage by introducing the critical theme of parental rights in schools and welcoming Benita Peterson, who provides an overview of the Parents and Kids Together movement.

The Mission of Parents and Kids Together – Jojo Ruba
Jojo Ruba explains the motivation behind the Parents and Kids Together movement, highlighting the alarming trend of schools allowing children to make significant life decisions, such as gender transition, without parental knowledge. Jojo shares the movement's commitment to protecting parental rights and children’s well-being.

Legislative Changes in Alberta – Benita Peterson
Benita discusses three significant bills recently introduced in Alberta aimed at reinforcing parental rights and preserving biological distinctions in sports. She explains the rally planned at the Alberta Legislature Grounds to encourage community support for these crucial legislative measures.

Advocating for Parental Involvement – Shelley Mottershead
Shelley Mottershead, a retired school board educational assistant, shares her perspective on why schools must respect parents' rights to know what’s being taught and ensure healthy boundaries. She discusses her involvement in the movement and her intent to run for school board trustee to advocate for greater transparency.

Connecting with Legislators – Mike Schouten of ARPA Canada
Mike Schouten introduces a practical tool created by ARPA Canada to help citizens communicate effectively with their MLAs. He demonstrates how the EasyMail system works, allowing Albertans to express their support for parental rights legislation and engage directly with their representatives.

School System Changes – Darren Michaelczuk
Darren, a former Alberta teacher, discusses the changes he’s observed in the school system over his 25-year career. He highlights the shift toward policies that seem to undermine family values and the push for inclusivity that sometimes disregards biological distinctions in sports and other activities.

Personal Story and Advocacy – Kellie Lynn Pirie
Kellie Lynn Pirie shares her journey of facing identity challenges and her experiences with transitioning and detransitioning while navigating a school system that often excluded parental input. She highlights the critical need for parental involvement in educational decisions and advocates for legislative change to ensure that schools support students and families together rather than isolating them.