CALGARY (CP) - In 1960's duck-and-cover fashion, the Calgary Board of Education has released a three-step plan for what students should do if they encounter a G-8 protest during next week's summit. Leave the area as quickly as possible. Do not stand and watch. Do not engage demonstrators in discussion or debate.
The procedure was outlined in a letter sent home to parents earlier this month. "I was quite surprised by it, because I wasn't really expecting anything like this," said Noreen Branagh, whose nine-year-old son Tom brought the letter home. "It's fear mongering." The letter details how, during the summit, classes will be handled much the same as if it were snowing.
"Parents and guardians need to decide whether it is safe to send their student to the bus stop," the letter reads. "Listen to media reports to see if it is safe."
Stephen Carter, spokesman for the board, said the letter was put out in response to parents' questions.
"The first and foremost responsibility of the board of education is to make sure parents concerns are addressed," Carter said. "Parents were asking, 'what are you doing to make sure my kids are safe?' "
Not only do students have to avoid any possible riots, they have to avoid being lumped in with anyone that might have a run-in with police, he said.
"Our students, especially at high school levels, need certain tools to ensure that they are not going to get themselves into a dangerous situation."
Branagh, who has three children, takes issue with how the letter seems to link activism with terrorism.
"People don't separate them anymore," she said. "I just think the letter is a bit overkill."
The G-8 summit of world leaders runs in Kananaskis Thursday and Friday next week. Protests are planned in Calgary starting this weekend.
As well, overnight parking won't be allowed at downtown Calgary Parking Authority lots and some Plus-15s will be closed.
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