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Frantz Fanon’s seminal work, The Wretched of the Earth, provides a framework for understanding decolonization as a radical, often violent, restructuring of society, which some activists in Canada have adopted to challenge the foundations of Western civilization. Fanon argues that decolonization is inherently disruptive, stating, “Decolonization, which sets out to change the order of the world, is, obviously, a program of complete disorder” (Fanon, 1963, p. 36). In the Canadian context, this rhetoric is echoed in calls to dismantle institutions, reject Eurocentric histories, and prioritize Indigenous frameworks over established systems. A recent example is the controversy surrounding the Ontario Grade 9 Math Curriculum, where the inclusion of anti-racism and decolonization language—such as claims that mathematics has been used to “normalize racism”—led to significant backlash and eventual removal of such content (Global News, 2021). While presented as a pursuit of justice, this approach often amplifies societal fractures, pitting Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups against one another. By framing Canada’s history solely as a colonial oppression narrative, activists risk fostering resentment and division, undermining the shared societal cohesion necessary for a functioning democracy. This strategy aligns with Fanon’s vision of upending the status quo but ignores the complexities of Canada’s multicultural fabric, where reconciliation and cooperation have been attempted through dialogue and policy, however imperfectly.
The activist push for decolonization in Canada, inspired by Fanon’s ideas, often employs a rhetoric of moral absolutism that vilifies Western institutions while ignoring their contributions to global stability and progress. Fanon writes, “The colonial world is a Manichaean world” (Fanon, 1963, p. 41), casting the colonizer and colonized in stark, irreconcilable opposition. In Canada, this binary is reflected in demands to erase symbols of Western heritage—such as statues of historical figures or traditional educational curricula—in favor of an exclusively Indigenous narrative. For instance, Ryan McMahon’s 12-step guide to decolonizing Canada proposes radical changes, including the return of land to Indigenous peoples and reallocating 50% of natural resource export revenues to Indigenous nations (CBC Radio, 2017). Such proposals, while framed as reconciliation, can be seen as divisive and impractical by many Canadians, fostering a sense of cultural erasure among non-Indigenous Canadians while creating unrealistic expectations of systemic overhaul. By framing decolonization as a zero-sum conflict, activists inadvertently sow discord, weakening the social contract that binds diverse communities. Instead of fostering unity, this tactic mirrors Fanon’s call for a radical break, which may destabilize the very society it seeks to reform, playing into a broader narrative of internal collapse rather than constructive change.
Ultimately, the application of Fanon’s decolonization framework in Canada serves as a divisive tool that threatens the stability of Western societies by prioritizing ideological purity over pragmatic coexistence. Fanon asserts, “For the colonized, life can only spring up again out of the rotting corpse of the colonizer” (Fanon, 1963, p. 93), a statement that implies destruction as a prerequisite for renewal. In Canada, this translates into activist strategies that reject compromise, demanding sweeping societal transformations without acknowledging the complexities of a nation built on diverse contributions. A historical example is the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry, where concerns over Indigenous land rights led to a 10-year moratorium on the project, delaying economic development and highlighting how decolonization efforts can significantly impact community relations and national progress (Berger, 1977). By weaponizing decolonization to vilify Western values, these efforts risk eroding the democratic principles—freedom, rule of law, and pluralism—that have enabled Canada’s relative stability. Rather than unifying society around shared goals, this approach fuels polarization, aligning with a broader agenda to dismantle Western institutions from within under the guise of justice, leaving little room for reconciliation or mutual progress.
Key Citations
- The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon
- Ontario removes anti-racism text from math curriculum preamble
- Ryan McMahon’s 12-step guide to decolonizing Canada
- Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland: Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry
- Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Proposals
- Decolonization at BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
- Catholic church north of Edmonton destroyed in fire
- School curriculum in Canada disputes view of math as objective
Palestrina | Veni Creator Spiritus hymnus á 4 & 5 is a sacred choral work by the Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. This polyphonic hymn, set for four and five voices, is based on the traditional Latin text of Veni Creator Spiritus, a 9th-century hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, often used in liturgical settings like Pentecost and ordinations.
Palestrina’s setting is characterized by:
Polyphonic texture: Interweaving vocal lines create a rich, harmonious sound, typical of his refined counterpoint style.
Sacred mood: The music conveys reverence and spiritual depth, with smooth melodic lines and balanced harmonies.
Alternation of voices: The hymn alternates between four- and five-voice sections, showcasing Palestrina’s skill in varying vocal textures while maintaining clarity and devotion.
Modal structure: Rooted in the Renaissance modal system, it evokes a timeless, meditative quality.
The piece is a fine example of Palestrina’s mastery in sacred music, emphasizing spiritual expression through intricate yet accessible choral writing. It’s typically performed in liturgical or concert settings, reflecting its enduring place in sacred music repertoire.
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of Canadian democracy, enshrined in Section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects the right to express one’s opinions and beliefs without fear of censorship or reprisal. This fundamental right fosters open dialogue, encourages diverse perspectives, and underpins a free and democratic society. However, in recent years, the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, often rooted in ideological frameworks that prioritize certain narratives over others, has posed challenges to free expression. The case of Margaret Munn, a teacher candidate at the University of Western Ontario (UWO), exemplifies how such initiatives can suppress dissenting voices. Munn faced significant repercussions for expressing views critical of DEI and decolonization policies during her teacher training, highlighting a troubling trend where ideological conformity overshadows open discourse (FSU Canada, 2024).
Margaret Munn’s experience at UWO illustrates the chilling effect of DEI initiatives on academic freedom and free speech. As a mature student in the Bachelor of Education program, Munn was required to demonstrate “professionalism” by aligning with DEI and decolonization principles, which she found overly prescriptive. When she expressed concerns about these frameworks and their impact on educational practices, she faced accusations of unprofessionalism and was ultimately expelled from her practicum placement. This led to her inability to complete her degree, effectively derailing her career aspirations (FSU Canada, 2024). The Faculty of Education’s response, as detailed in court documents, emphasized adherence to institutional values over open debate, suggesting that questioning DEI principles was incompatible with professional standards (Court File No. CV-24-00002418-0000, 2024). This case underscores how DEI initiatives, when rigidly enforced, can create an environment where only approved viewpoints are tolerated, stifling the very diversity of thought they claim to promote.
The broader implications of Munn’s case reflect a growing tension between free speech and ideological mandates in Canadian institutions. DEI frameworks often emphasize collective equity over individual rights, which can lead to policies that prioritize certain groups’ sensitivities over open dialogue. At UWO, Munn was penalized not for harmful actions but for her intellectual dissent, which was deemed a violation of the faculty’s commitment to inclusivity (Quillette, 2024). This approach mirrors a wider trend where “woke” ideologies—encompassing DEI, decolonization, and related social justice frameworks—impose speech codes that limit what can be said or questioned. Such restrictions risk creating echo chambers, where only ideologically aligned perspectives are permitted, undermining the principles of academic inquiry and free expression that universities are meant to uphold. The suppression of Munn’s voice demonstrates how these initiatives can weaponize concepts like professionalism to silence dissent, eroding the pluralistic foundation of Canadian society.
Defending freedom of speech requires acknowledging that true diversity includes diversity of thought, even when those thoughts challenge prevailing ideologies. The Munn case highlights the need for institutions to prioritize open debate over ideological conformity. Universities, as bastions of intellectual freedom, should foster environments where students and faculty can question policies like DEI without fear of retribution. The Faculty Solidarity Unit (FSU) argues that Munn’s expulsion reflects a systemic issue where academic institutions prioritize ideological goals over Charter-protected rights (FSU Canada, 2024). Protecting free speech does not mean endorsing every viewpoint but ensuring that all perspectives can be expressed and debated without penalty. By contrast, the rigid application of DEI frameworks, as seen at UWO, risks creating a hierarchy of acceptable speech, where only certain ideas are deemed safe or professional, undermining the democratic principles that allow Canada to thrive.
In conclusion, the case of Margaret Munn vs. University of Western Ontario serves as a cautionary tale about the erosion of freedom of speech in Canada under the guise of DEI and related ideological initiatives. While these frameworks aim to promote inclusivity, their implementation can suppress dissenting voices, as seen in Munn’s expulsion for questioning institutional policies. Freedom of speech is not just a legal right but a cultural necessity that enables robust debate and the pursuit of truth. To safeguard this right, Canadian institutions must resist the temptation to enforce ideological conformity and instead embrace open dialogue, even when it challenges prevailing norms. By doing so, they can uphold the values of a free and democratic society where all voices, including those like Munn’s, are heard and respected (Quillette, 2024).
References
- FSU Canada. (2024). Margaret Munn v. University of Western Ontario. Retrieved from https://fsucanada.ca/margaret-munn-v-university-of-western-ontario/
- Court File No. CV-24-00002418-0000. (2024). Munn v. University of Western Ontario. Retrieved from https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:325ae543-0142-4ab4-9bb6-c79bae4e4571?viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover
- Quillette. (2024). Lessons from a Teachers’ College Battle over Free Speech and Decolonization. Retrieved from https://quillette.com/2024/11/29/lessons-from-a-teachers-college-battle-over-free-speech-and-decolonization/
The full text of the Health and Human Services Systematic review can be found here.
Introduction
In our final post, we explore the systematic review’s findings on psychotherapy as an alternative to medical interventions for pediatric gender dysphoria, alongside international shifts in treatment approaches. The Department of Health and Human Services’ 2025 report (Chapter 14, pages 239-259) highlights the potential of non-invasive psychotherapy and the growing global retreat from medicalized care.
Key Findings on Psychotherapy and Global Trends
The review notes a significant gap in research on psychotherapeutic approaches for gender dysphoria, partly due to the mischaracterization of such treatments as “conversion therapy” (page 252). However, psychotherapy is a well-established, non-invasive method for managing mental health conditions, including those often co-occurring with gender dysphoria, like depression and anxiety (page 248). Systematic reviews have found no evidence of harm from psychotherapy in this context, unlike medical interventions, which carry significant risks (page 16).
Internationally, countries like Finland, Sweden, and the UK have shifted away from the “gender-affirming” model, prioritizing psychosocial interventions (pages 142-145). The UK’s Cass Review, for instance, found weak evidence for medical interventions and recommended psychotherapy as a first-line approach (page 63). These countries have restricted puberty blockers and hormones due to concerns about their safety and efficacy, reflecting a broader recognition of the need for caution (page 56).
Looking Forward
The rise in youth gender dysphoria coincides with a broader mental health crisis among adolescents, suggesting that social and psychological factors may play a significant role (page 239). Psychotherapy offers a way to address these underlying issues without the irreversible risks of medical interventions. As more countries adopt this approach, the U.S. faces pressure to align its practices with emerging evidence.
Three Arguments Against Transitioning Children
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Psychotherapy as a Safer Alternative: Psychotherapy is a non-invasive option with no reported adverse effects in treating gender dysphoria, unlike medical interventions that risk serious harm (page 16).
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International Restrictions Highlight Risks: Countries like the UK and Sweden have restricted medical interventions due to weak evidence and significant risks, suggesting a need for caution in the U.S. (page 56).
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High Rates of Natural Resolution: The natural history of gender dysphoria shows that it often resolves without medical intervention, supporting the use of psychotherapy to explore identity without irreversible steps (page 21).
References
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Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices, page 16.
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Ibid., page 56.
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Ibid., page 21.
Find the full HSS Systematic Review here.
Introduction
In our second post, we dive deeper into the risks associated with medical treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria, as outlined in the Department of Health and Human Services’ 2025 review. While proponents of “gender-affirming care” argue these interventions are essential, the systematic review (Chapter 7, pages 106-124) highlights significant physiological and psychological risks that deserve careful consideration.
Key Findings on Risks
The review details how puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries impact young bodies. Puberty blockers, used to halt natural pubertal development, can lead to impaired bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures later in life (page 110). They may also affect neurocognitive development and sexual function, with potential long-term consequences that are not fully understood (pages 111-112). Cross-sex hormones, such as testosterone for girls or estrogen for boys, introduce risks like cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and infertility (pages 118-119). Surgeries, though less common, carry risks of complications and regret, particularly when performed after early pubertal suppression (page 120).
The review emphasizes that these risks are not hypothetical—they are grounded in established physiological knowledge. For instance, blocking puberty disrupts normal developmental processes critical for bone, brain, and reproductive health (pages 108-112). Yet, the evidence for these interventions’ benefits remains weak, with systematic reviews unable to confirm improvements in mental health or quality of life (page 13).
Why This Matters
Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these risks because their bodies are still developing. The irreversible nature of many of these effects—like sterility or surgical changes—raises ethical concerns about applying them to minors who may not fully grasp the long-term implications. The review’s findings align with international trends, such as restrictions in Finland and Sweden, where psychotherapy is now prioritized (pages 142-143).
Three Arguments Against Transitioning Children
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Irreversible Physical Harms: Puberty blockers and hormones can cause permanent effects like infertility, reduced bone density, and sexual dysfunction, which are particularly concerning for developing children (page 14).
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Uncertain Long-Term Outcomes: The review found no reliable evidence that medical interventions improve long-term mental health or quality of life, making the risk-benefit ratio unfavorable (page 13).
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Ethical Concerns with Consent: Adolescents may lack the maturity to consent to treatments with lifelong consequences, especially given the uncertain benefits and significant risks (page 155).
References
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Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices, page 14.
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Ibid., page 13.
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Ibid., page 155.
The text of the full report can be found here.
Introduction
The treatment of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents has become a highly debated topic. A recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services (May 1, 2025) provides a comprehensive review of the evidence behind these treatments. This first post in our series explores the overall findings of the systematic review, highlighting the quality and limitations of the evidence for medical interventions like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
The report’s “umbrella review” (Chapter 5, pages 77-96) evaluated existing systematic reviews to assess the benefits and harms of treatments for pediatric gender dysphoria. The findings are striking: the evidence supporting these interventions is of very low quality. This means that claims about their benefits—such as improved mental health or quality of life—are uncertain and may differ significantly from the true effects. Studies often lack rigorous methodology, with issues like small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and potential publication bias (page 103) clouding the results.
For example, the review found that studies claiming benefits from puberty blockers or hormones, such as de Vries et al. (2011, 2014) and Tordoff et al. (2022), are short-term and observational, lacking the robustness of randomized controlled trials (pages 98-101). These studies often fail to account for confounding factors like concurrent mental health treatment, making it hard to attribute outcomes solely to medical interventions. Additionally, the review notes a lack of systematic tracking of harms, which may underreport risks like infertility or bone density issues (page 13).
What This Means
The low-quality evidence raises serious questions about the widespread use of medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria. Without clear data on long-term outcomes, families and clinicians face uncertainty when making decisions. This gap in evidence has led countries like the UK to restrict puberty blockers, prioritizing psychosocial approaches instead (page 13).
Three Arguments Against Transitioning Children
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Insufficient Evidence of Benefit: The systematic review found that the evidence for psychological benefits from puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries is very low quality, with studies often biased or inconclusive (page 13). This uncertainty makes it risky to pursue invasive treatments with unproven efficacy.
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Significant Risks of Harm: Medical interventions carry serious risks, including infertility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone density, and potential cognitive impacts (page 14). These risks are particularly concerning for children, whose bodies and minds are still developing.
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Natural Resolution of Gender Dysphoria: Research suggests that gender dysphoria often resolves without intervention in many cases, especially when untreated (page 21). Medical transition may disrupt this natural process, leading to irreversible changes for children who might otherwise reconcile with their bodies.
References
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Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices, page 13.
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Ibid., page 14.
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Ibid., page 21.
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