During an online school board call last month, Ontario teacher Carolyn Burjoski raised concerns over the literature given to K-6th graders. One particular novel, she argued, made it seem “simple and cool” to have a gender transition surgery.  

Mid-call, the Regional School Board chair Scott Piatkowski interrupted, and the board voted 5-4 to discontinue her presentation. “This person was speaking about transgender people in a way that was disrespectful, that would cause them to be attacked and I really needed to ensure it did not continue,” Piatkowski later claimed. 

Under Canada’s human rights code, gender expression is a protected status in housing, employment, unions, and trade or professional associations. Burjoski was given a “stay at home order,” and told to refrain from speaking to staff or students.  

This kind of story is why Christians need to think through a theology of getting fired. In the short run, speaking the truth might cost us. But if we really love our neighbor, we’ll find a way to do it—gently and graciously—but with courage.