After going public with concerns over the appointment of Alberta’s new Education Minister, and his background, a U of A professor met with the new minister to talk about them – and said he would give him a chance.

Premier Jim Prentice appointed his new cabinet in a ceremony Monday afternoon, including two ministers who had not yet been elected to seats in the legislature: Health Minister Stephen Mandel and Education Minister Gordon Dirks.

Dirks' appointment quickly sparked a backlash online; with concerns the stance of the church he used to be the pastor for, on issues pertaining to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.

Dr. Kristopher Wells with the Institute for Sexual Minorities Studies said those statements, and previous position as pastor of a church with anti-gay links was cause for concern.

“He has the chance to come forward and make it clear that he harbours no prejudice or bias towards LGBTQ people,” Wells said Monday. “That he distances himself from the statements of the church of which he was a pastor.

“He is no longer a pastor – he is the Minister of Education and as a minister of education he must ensure that every classroom provides a discrimination free environment.”

Dirks responded to concerns from some – including the NDP, who asked for his appointment to be rescinded Tuesday afternoon - who questioned whether he would support initiatives for LGBTQ youth in schools.

“I am fully supportive of people making their own decisions and their own commitments about their own practices and beliefs,” Dirks said. ”As Minister of Education that’s my number one priority and number one concern to make sure that children are protected in our schools and I am absolutely devoted to that.”

Wells met with Dirks on Tuesday morning, a meeting Wells asked for, and one Prentice called for -  and he confirmed that Dirks had committed to supporting all youth.

“The minister reiterated his commitment that he’s there to support all youth, including LGBTQ youth, in our schools,” Wells said.

“I have a commitment from the minister that he is going to work with the LGBTQ community on educational issues that are of concern.”

Dirks further confirmed his stance on Twitter later Tuesday.

 

 

Premier Prentice has also said that he fully supports the rights of the LGBTQ community and will work to make sure everyone is equal.

With files from Breanna Karstens-Smith