Government of Alberta Press Release:
If passed, Bill 25: An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026, would strengthen school safety, improve school board accountability and keep the focus on teaching the fundamentals like reading, math and science.
Every child is entitled to a classroom environment that is respectful, safe and free from ideological influence.
Classrooms must be neutral, impartial learning environments where students are exposed to a range of perspectives and develop their own views.
Schools cannot be spaces where one belief system or political position is presented as right or wrong.
“Parents expect schools to be safe, focused on learning and open to diverse perspectives. These changes strengthen accountability, reinforce neutrality and respect, and make it clear that politics and ideology have no place in Alberta classrooms.
Our focus is simple: student safety, academic excellence and preparing young Albertans for success.” Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare
Ensuring neutrality, impartiality and diverse viewpoints
Proposed amendments would reinforce that classroom instruction must remain neutral, balanced and free from personal or political bias while supporting students in exploring different perspectives and forming their own views.
If passed, the changes would:
- Reinforce expectations for neutrality and respect for diverse student perspectives.
- Prevent school boards from taking positions on political, social or ideological matters that are not relevant to their role.
- Protect employees from being required to participate in activities that conflict with their personal beliefs, except where required under approved curriculum.
- In addition to these changes, there will be new and clear provincial requirements set for displaying flags and playing the Canadian national anthem in schools.
Protecting teachers
Too many incidents of violence and aggression towards teachers have been reported, and that is unacceptable.
No teacher should be hit, kicked, punched or abused while at work. If passed, the legislation would update the Education Act to reinforce safer classrooms and set clear expectations.
These changes reinforce that schools must be safe places for both students and staff, with clear standards for behaviour and accountability when those standards are not met.
School board accountability
Proposed changes would also strengthen accountability within the education system.
A new ministerial order would establish principles for school board trustee codes of conduct, including protections for freedom of speech and expectations for responsible governance.
Trustees seeking a nomination in a federal election or byelection would be required to take an unpaid leave of absence. This will help avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Further changes being proposed in the legislation would prevent school boards from issuing statements or taking positions on political, social or ideological matters that are not relevant to board obligations.
Changes to provincial exams
To save taxpayer dollars and improve efficiency when delivering provincial exams, the legislation would move diploma exams and Provincial Achievement Tests to an online format.
“As a regulatory body, we uphold principled neutrality while constructively supporting government priorities to advance student achievement through competent system leadership.
We look forward to collaborating with government to support the selection of exemplary system leaders dedicated to improving student learning outcomes.” Mike McMann, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
“On behalf of Alberta Public Charter Schools, I want to thank Premier Smith and Minister Nicolaides for taking bold action on student safety and education choice in Alberta.
The move to charter permanency recognizes the fact that schools like mine have been around 31 years and have proven their worth through excellence in programming and a student-focused approach.
Charter schools are the fastest growing part of the education system in Alberta. As a parent, I am grateful to have this fourth pillar of public education here.” Adam Koziak, vice-president, The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools
These changes, if passed, will set clear expectations for schools, strengthen accountability and keep classrooms focused on learning and student success.
Quick facts
Additional changes being made in the act include:
- New rules related to naming of public school buildings.
- Protecting employees from being required to take part in activities that conflict with their personal beliefs.
- Requiring school boards to provide supports for children with learning gaps in reading and math.
- Requiring schools to involve parents in student learning around non-instructional activities.
- Setting clear criteria for issuing a charter school application.
- New rules for contracts for superintendents.
- Removing minister approval requirements for external parties using resources that deal with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality to provide religious instruction.
- Allowing government to direct the transfer of underused school properties.
- Requiring schools to display only the Canadian flag and the Alberta flag. (Exemptions may be considered to allow the display of flags that reflect Alberta’s heritage and history.)
- Playing the Canadian national anthem weekly.
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