Sent:
Subject: National Post Ad
Thank you for your valued feedback on the issue of the advertisement
from the Institute for Canadian Values. I’d like to further explain the
National Post’s position and actions.
As Publisher, I am responsible for the content in our newspaper and
website. That content includes editorial and advertising. Like editorial, ads
have to meet a standard of accuracy and fairness. The ad from the ICV
failed to meet that standard. The headline reads: “I am a Girl. Don’t teach me
to question if I’m a boy, transsexual, transgendered, intersexed or two
spirited.’’
Nowhere in the Toronto District School Board curriculum are students
taught to ask themselves this question. The ad was misleading and should not
have run.
However, we should have the debate as to whether transsexual awareness should
be taught to young students, or at all. We should have the debate as to whether
the course materials and approach are appropriate. We should have the debate as
to whether parents have the right to remove their children from these classes.
The National Post will have this debate this weekend through a reported
analysis of the issue and op-ed contributions from both sides. We are not
limiting free speech. Far from it.
The National Post more than any newspaper in this country is willing to
cover topics and entertain opinions that are ignored by the mainstream media.
We have given voice to all sides on issues such as abortion and private
healthcare and freedom of speech. The National Post has been a leading critic
of the many excesses of human rights commissions.
I trust you will continue to recognize the unique role that the National
Post plays in the Canadian media landscape. In the months and years to come,
other critical issues will be tackled. I hope you continue to be part of that
conversation. Please reconsider your decision to cancel your subscription.
Thank you,
Publisher
National Post
My Response:
Dear Mr. Kelly
Thank you for taking the time to explain the National Post's actions. Without debating the content of the curriculum, the legitimacy of debate or the right of the editorial board to change their minds on running ads or commenting, where the editorial board went beyond the bounds of decency is in their action of " donating the proceeds from the advertisement to an organization that promotes the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people". A newspaper should not be in the business of taking the advertising money from an organization that places an ad and directly support the cause objected to in the ad itself. Not only is this not a good business practice but objectionable from a principle of ethics. It is specifically on this basis that I cannot in good conscience fund your lobbying efforts. This is not the role of a newspaper. On this ethical financial ground I cannot continue to support this reversal of role from the previous good dialogue that the National Post has stood for.
Thank you for taking the time to explain the National Post's actions. Without debating the content of the curriculum, the legitimacy of debate or the right of the editorial board to change their minds on running ads or commenting, where the editorial board went beyond the bounds of decency is in their action of " donating the proceeds from the advertisement to an organization that promotes the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people". A newspaper should not be in the business of taking the advertising money from an organization that places an ad and directly support the cause objected to in the ad itself. Not only is this not a good business practice but objectionable from a principle of ethics. It is specifically on this basis that I cannot in good conscience fund your lobbying efforts. This is not the role of a newspaper. On this ethical financial ground I cannot continue to support this reversal of role from the previous good dialogue that the National Post has stood for.
Respectfully;
Matthew Kratz
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