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Opinion: Edmonton Public Schools' travel ban teaches a lesson of fear

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The recent decision by Edmonton Public Schools to suspend all international student travel and school exchanges for the 2026–27 school year deserves much closer scrutiny. The division cites a “complex global landscape of evolving political, economic and public health challenges” and says the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution.” Parents have expressed confusion and disappointment, particularly given the absence of any specific threat or identified risk.

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To some, this might seem like a prudent administrative decision. School boards have legal responsibilities. They must manage risk and ensure student safety. No reasonable person disputes this. But at another level, this decision tells students something........

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