Students from Edmonton Public Schools joined thousands of others Friday at the Legislature as part of a global climate action strike.
The Edmonton Public School Board voted Tuesday, to support students from its district who wanted to take part in the rally. The board excused them from classes Friday, with parental permission.
“We want to, as the adults, get out of the way and let the young people engage in a way that seems fit,” said Michael Janz, Edmonton Public School Trustee.
Janz put forward the motion allowing students to attend the rally without any academic consequences. He asked teachers to reschedule tests and assessments for students who participated in the rally Friday.
“We’re in the middle of a Federal election right now and it’s critical to have the opportunity to have our students to engage in political conversations, getting involved in their community and applying what they’re learning about climate change in social studies and sciences into expression of their hopes and dreams for the next generation,” said Janz.
NAIT did not reschedule classes. The school encouraged students to talk to instructors but cautioned students would not be exempt from missed assignments or tests.
