Frank Spragins High School, Facebook image
EDMONTON — Alberta’s government is proposing legislation aimed at removing political and ideological influence from classrooms while strengthening school safety and accountability across the education system.
If passed, Bill 25, An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026, would set new expectations for neutrality in classroom instruction and limit the role of school boards in political or social issues not directly related to education.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the proposed changes are intended to ensure classrooms remain respectful, focused on learning and open to a range of perspectives.
The legislation would require teaching to remain neutral and free from personal or political bias, while supporting students in exploring different viewpoints and forming their own opinions. It would also prevent school boards from taking positions on broader political or ideological matters outside their mandate.
Proposed amendments include measures to improve safety for teachers and students, including reinforcing expectations around behaviour and accountability following reports of increased incidents of violence in schools.
The bill would also introduce changes to governance, including new standards for school board trustee conduct and requirements for trustees to take unpaid leave if seeking federal political office.
Additional measures would move provincial diploma exams and achievement tests to an online format, with the government citing efficiency and cost savings.
Other provisions include rules around flag displays in schools, requiring the Canadian and Alberta flags to be shown, as well as weekly playing of the national anthem. The legislation would also require greater parental involvement in certain aspects of student learning and provide support for students with gaps in reading and math.
The government says the proposed changes are designed to reinforce accountability, improve student outcomes and maintain a focus on core academic subjects.
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