Heather Ganshorn

Heather Ganshorn is the research director at Support Our Students Alberta, a grassroots organization that advocates for inclusive and equitable public education for all Albertans. She is also a librarian at the University of Calgary and the parent of two children who attend public schools.

authortag: author_heather_ganshorn

"Parental Rights" Threaten to Take Public Education Backwards

blog | Oct 06, 2025

The language of “parental rights” is being used by vocal conservative groups to push political agendas that threaten the inclusiveness and integrity of Alberta’s public education system. In this article, researcher Heather Ganshorn traces the movement’s ideological roots, documents its growing influence, and highlights its links to the agenda of privatization. See what's at stake in upcoming school board elections and why we should care.

Challenging 'Parental Rights': A Primer for Parents, Students, Educators, and Advocates

research | Sep 04, 2025

A specific brand of “parental rights” is increasingly being weaponized to justify restrictions on inclusive practices in Alberta’s education system. At the same time, one key feature of this agenda — the push for “school choice” — is laying the groundwork for broader privatization. This report shows where these efforts are coming from, what’s at stake, and how to fight for schools that are inclusive of all parents, not just a vocal minority rooted in conservative organizations.