October 28, 2025
Prabh Sandhu
Students at Nelson Mandela High School are set to walk out of class on Thursday morning to protest Alberta’s Back-to-School Act (Bill 2), joining peers from more than 30 schools across the province in what organizers describe as a show of solidarity with teachers and public education.
The student-led group Nelson Mandela Students for Education says the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause in the bill is an “abuse of power” and a betrayal of teachers, families, and students.
They argue that Bill 2 fails to address critical issues such as classroom overcrowding, teacher workload, and the overall quality of education in Alberta.
“Our message is clear — students care about what’s happening in our schools,” said Amrit Preet Kaur Minhas, one of the organizers. “We want the government to listen to educators and focus on improving learning conditions, not undermining them.”
Minhas added that students feel a responsibility to stand up for the teachers who support them every day. “We see how hard our teachers work and how stretched they are,” she said.
“This protest is about respect — for teachers, for students, and for the future of public education in Alberta.”
Students from Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, Sherwood Park, Cochrane, and Jasper are expected to participate in similar walkouts throughout the day.
Organizers hope the coordinated action will send a strong message to provincial leaders that young people are paying attention — and that their voices matter in shaping the education system.
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