Freedoms Advocate is proud to announce that we are providing funding for the case of Coach Tylor “Teej” Johannesson, a long-time volunteer football coach at H.J. Cody High School in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, who was recently dismissed after sharing a personal message on social media expressing concern about the medicalization of children with gender dysphoria.
In a respectful and heartfelt TikTok video, Coach Teej drew from his own experience working with group homes to raise questions about the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones in minors.
His post was made in his private – not his coaching – capacity. It did not single out any individuals or students, and did not relate to the school or workplace.
Despite this, he was removed from his school coaching position — a volunteer role he held for years and that had a deep impact on countless students.
Coach Teej explains: “I have strong opinions because I’ve seen what these drugs do to kids. It’s heartbreaking. I don’t believe that telling kids they are trans is a net positive, and I don’t believe children should become lifelong pharmaceutical patients. I care deeply about protecting vulnerable youth.”
He adds: “I wasn’t trying to be controversial or hateful. I was trying to speak honestly about something I see growing in society. I hope we can have open conversations without fear of punishment.”
We believe this is a clear case of viewpoint discrimination and a violation of Coach Teej’s rights, including to freedom of conscience and expression under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Alberta Bill of Rights.
This case raises critical questions:
- Can Canadians be punished for expressing personal opinions, even off the clock?
- Are educators and community leaders free to speak openly about important issues without fear of retribution?
- Are we, as a society, creating a climate where only one side of the conversation is permitted?
Freedoms Advocate has committed to funding and representing Coach Teej in a constitutional and human rights challenge to defend not just his rights, but the rights of every Canadian to speak honestly and compassionately on difficult issues — especially when it concerns the well-being of children.
We will be funding legal representation, coordinating public advocacy, and pursuing this matter as part of our broader mission to defend rights and freedoms for Canadians, including free speech, parental rights, and freedom of conscience in Canada.
If you’d like to support this case or others like it, please consider making a charitable donation. Freedoms Advocate is a registered Canadian charity, and eligible donations will receive a tax receipt.
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Together, we can ensure that freedom of expression remains more than just words in a Charter and a remains a right that’s protected in real life.
