Left wing political propaganda is infiltrating our children’s classrooms. To most parents, grandparents and citizens this is obvious. It is evident by the change in behavior of their children, their neighbor’s children and society as a whole. While these toxic ideas gain footholds through many avenues, there are several which are prevalent in schools.
Teachers are subtly exposed to Marxist ideals through professional development. Marxism underpins Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Social Emotional Learning, Trauma Training, Windows, Mirrors and Sliding Glass Doors, and Critical Literacy. Most teachers are not even aware that they are being indoctrinated with Marxist beliefs. They then pass the ideas onto children.
Aggressive progressive ideas are also entering schools through student organizations such as the Gay-Straight Alliance and Calling All Colors that are touted as student-led groups, but are actually led by progressive organizations such as the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance and GLSEN.
Students who become involved in these organizations then introduce their newly learned ideas to other students through classroom discussions. In some cases, students have been allowed to present these ideas to other students during Academy Class.
Local organizations such as the Momentum Center, Out On the Lakeshore, and the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance are non-profit organizations that specialize in partnerships with businesses, schools and government organizations to normalize progressive ideas within schools and the general public. Grand Haven Area Public Schools has formed partnerships with some of these organizations.
Similar national organizations work to normalize progressive ideas on a larger scale. Some examples of larger organizations are:
Family Acceptance Project (recommended by the OAISD) “We provide training and consultation on working with diverse families and implementing FAP's evidence-based family support model across the United States and in other countries. ”Our goal is to put an anti-racist at every dinner table in America.”
GLAAD “GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.”
Southern Poverty Law Center “The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.”
Equality Michigan “EQMI partners with pro-LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations to ensure lawmakers and the public are educated on the laws, policies, and regulations needed to achieve and protect LGBTQ+ equality in Michigan.”
Another and probably the most insidious way these ideas are reaching our children, is through classroom lessons. Statistical data is mixed with theory and opinion and then presented to our children as fact. Rather than being taught how to research and think for themselves, students will be asked to analyze an essay or respond to questions that pertain to reading a passage or watching a video.
For example, the following video which explains Systemic Racism may be shown to students.
This video states that America has a history of systemic racism which still exists today. It argues that Kevin a white child, and Jamal a black child, do not have the same opportunities for success. In addition, it argues that potential employers do not grant interviews to people with black sounding names and therefore, implicit bias is the reason unemployment is worse for black people.
Students may be given questions and asked to respond to this video. They are not offered counterpoints or asked to research achievements of black immigrants in America. This is how statistical data is mixed with critical theories and opinions, and then presented to our children as fact, which ultimately shapes the way they view the world.
Here are some examples of lessons from GHAPS that work to shape the way our children think.
Understanding how Marxist and progressive ideas are infiltrating our children’s classrooms is a key to stopping it. Following existing school board policies is another key. Everything mentioned above violates existing school policies such as board policy 2240 Controversial Issues and board policy 5730 Equal access for non-district sponsored, student clubs and activities.
We must not allow these ideologies to continue to permeate our classrooms.