School Administration Gatekeeping on “Sensitive/Controversial” Research Topics

Abstract

For many engaged in qualitative research with human participants, a common question can often arise: What happens when gatekeepers block access to participants? The multitude of themes of resistance used by school administrators to prevent public school teachers across Canada from taking part in an investigation of personal perspectives of secularism in their professional workspace is explored in depth. This research dilemma was overcome by the use of critical inquiry and the development of a “tree of responses” to respond to each attempt to halt professional dialogue nationwide. With this approach, our target of 120 teacher participants was achieved, allowing us to not only delve into secularism in schools but also consider the notions of teachers’ rights to participate in research along with the fear and confusion that can arise with the alleged sensitivity and controversy this topic raises in some of the minds of today’s educational leaders.