Abraham Lincoln once stated, "The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next." This sentiment resonates amid growing concerns about the Ontario education system, which many believe is facing significant challenges. Over the past two decades, education policies influenced by Marxist theories have led to what some describe as a tripartite failure: ineffective teaching methods, a lack of psychological safety for politically incorrect identity groups, and insufficient protection for both students and teachers from physical violence.

Ontario is home to over two million school-aged children, accounting for 40 percent of Canada's school-age population. However, recent evidence suggests that these students are not receiving adequate educational support. Learning outcomes in math, science, and reading have sharply declined since 2018. Critics point to a postmodern theory of "epistemic injustice," which advocates for a "decolonization" of knowledge acquisition, as a contributing factor. For instance, some educators have prioritized Indigenous "ways of knowing" over traditional teaching methods, leading to the implementation of Discovery Math. This approach encourages students to create their own math solutions rather than following established methods, resulting in only half of sixth-grade students meeting provincial math standards.

In August, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) held its annual general meeting, where a motion passed with 71 percent support to develop teacher resources addressing alleged anti-Palestinian racism. This initiative has raised concerns among Jewish parents, who fear increased bullying linked to anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments in schools. Critics argue that the focus on social justice advocacy often overlooks the individual needs of students, treating them instead as representatives of their identity groups.

The issue of violence in schools has also come to the forefront. In March 2023, an investigative report highlighted the growing problem of violence in Ontario schools. The Safe Schools Act, introduced in 2000, established a zero-tolerance policy for violence, leading to increased suspensions and expulsions. However, the introduction of the Progressive Discipline and School Safety Bill in 2007 shifted the focus away from strict disciplinary measures. This change has resulted in a significant rise in reported incidents of physical abuse against teachers, with a 2021 report indicating that nearly 90 percent of educators have experienced violence in some form.

The combination of declining academic performance, a focus on social justice over traditional pedagogy, and rising violence in schools has created a challenging environment for both students and educators in Ontario. As the new school year begins, many are left questioning the effectiveness of current educational policies and their impact on the future of the province's youth.