Teachers' Freedom of Expression in Canada

Freedom of expression refers to when an activity conveys or attempts to convey a meaning, through a non-violent form of expression, it has expressive content and falls within the idea of the word 'expression' as found in the guarantee. Defining the workplace is where many adults devote their lives, but it is also a place where civil liberties, including freedom of speech, are significantly constrained. What are the boundaries for teachers’ freedom of expression in public, secular schools in Canada? (de Britto, 2018).

When dealing with the workplace conversations in the workplace may turn to controversial matters where that others may sometimes express their views in a way which whomever is around could find offensive. Some employees may also see it as their duty to wish to persuade others of the truth of their own specific views. Section 2(b) of the Charter introduces freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression as one of the fundamental freedoms ensured for everyone in Canada (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982) Section 2(b) and section 15, along with the legal rights prescribed in section 7 of the Charter, are the ones most often brought into legal action in Canadian courts, the protection of expressing views includes both the messenger and the receiver of the expressive activity. Narrowing down the teachers freedom of expression responds to principles and that are gained from provincial legislation, specifically those that are relevant throughout the human rights codes and education statutes. Facts that teachers have a certain level of free expression rights that extend to the classroom in many ways, teachers are seen as “cultural custodians” in and out of the classroom to the younger generations. Canadian jurisprudence seems to place high expectations on teachers, freedom can be shown throughout the professional responsibility when engaging in harmless speech, it allows not only direct school disruption but also the idea of a belief in damage, such as what can be caused by discriminatory speech that can arise from the core values of the Charter as well as the education system. Discrimination and hate speech account for harmful expression prohibited to teachers. Teachers’ freedom of expression isn’t complete. It is questioned to certain limitations where if there is harm to students or expressions of hate and discrimination.

In conclusion, teachers’ freedom of expression in Canada give back principles that are expressed in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as provincial legislation and normative expectations regarding the teachers’ role and position in the classroom. Teachers themselves, both as professionals whose job requires promoting an innovative/ positive learning environment, and as citizens, who might take up their own world-views. It is a teachers duty to 'teach diligently the subjects and courses of study prescribed' by or under subsection 54(a) the Education Act or regulations which are assigned by the school board.