If a student-led lesson is facilitated by teachers, given during a regular class period, supported by the director of instructional services, is this lesson part of the curriculum? GHAPS administrators say it is not, but we have all heard the analogy…. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then…………
During the 2020-21 school year, a set of four lessons on antiracism were given by the student-led group Calling All Colors during academy class. After the lessons were given parents began complaining. In an effort to instruct high school administrators in how to handle the complaints, the following email was sent by the Director of Instructional Services, Mary Jane Evink, to the high school principal and three assistant principals.
It appears these lessons were used as a way to introduce Marxist antiracism lessons into the curriculum. The Calling All Colors students, following a template provided by the progressive organization LEDA, were assisted and encouraged in preparing this set of lessons. Once the students did their part by offering lessons on antiracism, progressive adult activists were able to step in and handle the situation. In other words, those who wanted the lessons offered to students, but were prevented from doing so, used the students to open the door. Once the door was open, they were able to freely discuss the Marxist topics of white privilege and antiracism they so desired to introduce in the classroom.
This is evident by the talking points provided to high school principals by the curriculum director. Why is the curriculum director telling the principals to “focus on the learning targets of the lesson” if this was an optional lesson provided by students?
Bullet point seven states, “White privilege doesn’t mean people with light sink do not work hard….It just means people with dark skin have to work harder.” I would like to know what evidence is available to support this claim which is being presented to students, by students during the class day in the form of a lesson?
Bullet point eight states, “You are not clean enough to use this bathroom.” What does this even mean? This example lacks context and evidence. Are students being led to believe that it is common for unclean people to be denied the use of a bathroom? Are we talking about restrooms open to the general public or private restrooms located in homes or businesses? It seems like the sole purpose of a statement such as this is to create an emotional response that leads citizens to become activists. That is Marxism!
Bullet point nine suggests teachers lead these lessons by modeling behavior. I thought these were student-led lessons?
Bullet point twelve states, “We will embrace the facts and evidence for these discussions.” Again, this data is being presented to students as fact. They are not being taught or asked to research, but to simply believe the propaganda. What discussions have they had regarding immigrants with dark skin who have come to America? There is a multitude of evidence showing these people have achieved financial success. Why weren’t they oppressed by their dark skin? Have students learned about Dr. Ben Carson or other Americans who faced difficult challenges during childhood and achieved the American Dream? Barack Obama was so oppressed that he was elected president of the most powerful country on Earth – twice. Maybe they should be asked to research the factors that contributed to success and then work on developing those behaviors.
These lessons are an insult to our students and to our community. In addition, they are a violation of numerous school board policies.
Po 1130/Po 3110 Conflict of Interest - “No staff member, officer, or agent shall use his/her position to benefit either himself/herself or any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the School District.”
Po 1230 Responsibilities of the Superintendent – “The superintendent shall ensure that all aspects of District operation comply with State laws and regulations as well as Board contracts and policies.”
Po2210 Curriculum Development – “The board directs that the curriculum of this district be consistent with the District's philosophy and goals and ensure the possibility of their achievement.”
po2240 Controversial Issues – “The Board will permit the introduction and proper educational use of controversial issues provided that their use in the instructional program does not tend to indoctrinate or persuade students to a particular point of view.”
Po3210 Staff Ethics – “An effective educational program requires the services of men and women of integrity, high ideals, and human understanding. To maintain and promote these essentials, the Board of Education expects all professional staff members to maintain high standards in their working relationships, and in the performance of their professional duties, to refrain from using position or public property, or permitting another person to use an employee's position or public property for partisan political or religious purposes. This will not be implemented in a manner that limits constitutionally or legally protected rights as a citizen.”
The Privilege Backpack From the book Queer: A Graphic History