T-shirt campaign protests proposed education bill in Manitoba
A group of Manitobans are seeing red in response to a proposed education bill.
On Thursday, RED for Ed MB, a Facebook group opposing the bill, launched a t-shirt campaign to “Fight Bill 64.”
The group wants educators, school staff, parents, and other community members to wear red clothing on Fridays to support the movement.
In a joint statement with ProtectEdMB, RED for Ed MB said, “because in-person demonstrations are not possible at this time, the ongoing red shirt protest is being organized to amplify the grave concerns of all Manitobans about this regressive legislation.”
Bill 64 – the Education Modernization Act – proposes significant changes to K-12 education in Manitoba, which would include replacing 37 existing school divisions with 15 regional systems. The new system would be managed by a provincial oversight body and removed elected school boards, as well as the role of school trustees.
Aaron Beckman, a Winnipeg teacher, said the concept for RED for Ed originated in the United States.
“Educators down there were fighting for proper funding for public education,” Beckman said on Thursday. “And that movement has spread to Canada.”
RED for Ed campaigns have popped up in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.
“It’s a really obvious beacon,” Beckman said of the intent behind wearing red. “[It shows] you are willing to stand up against [Bill 64] and maybe have a discussion about it.”
Beckman created the Facebook group a few weeks ago to encourage others to join him in fighting Bill 64 by wearing red on Fridays.
“To further show that solidarity, we decided to make t-shirts,” Beckman said.
Beckman started selling the red t-shirts, emblazoned with “Fight Bill 64 “over an outline of the province, through the Facebook page.
Proceeds from each t-shirt sold have been donated to supporting breakfast and snack programs in Manitoba schools and the group says it has raised more than $3,000 through the campaign so far.
Beckman said he thinks people want to take action, but pandemic restrictions have limited their ability to do so. He said the t-shirt campaign has allowed people to contribute to the fight against the bill in a tangible way.
“Not just for wearing the shirts, but for the fact it’s going to charity and it’s helping kids in our province.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.