Denver Students Walk Out In Protest Over Curriculum Changes

[Webster]

Think Progress: Denver Students Walk Out In Protest Of Conservative Takeover Of Curriculum
Excerpt...

Hundreds of students throughout suburban Denver protested a conservative school policy proposal by walking out of classrooms Tuesday. Following a policy trend that’s gaining traction nationwide, the Jefferson County School Board in Colorado plan would restrict history education to subject matter that “promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free-market system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights.”

According to the curricula proposal, students would only be taught lessons depicting American heritage in a positive light, and effectively ban any material that could lead to dissent. Under the proposed policy, a review committee would regularly read instructional text and course syllabi to ensure that educational materials do not stray from subject matter that complies with the policy.

But students involved in the walkout contend that censored coursework actually contradicts American history and ideals. Many of them brought signs about the patriotic nature of protest, and waved American flags as they walked.

Arvada High School senior Tyrone G. Parks disagreed with the school board, and argued that protest is a crucial aspect of American history, “and everything that we’ve done is what allowed us to be at this point today. And if you take that from us, you take away everything that America was built off of.” Tori Leu, a Ralston Valley High School student, shared a similar sentiment. “I don’t think my education should be censored. We should be able to know what happened in our past.”

Students learned about the walkout via social media and word of mouth. And the overwhelming response to the school proposal introduced by Julie Williams makes sense given the area’s diversity. The district also has a history of civil disobedience, as teachers staged a successful “sick-out” that closed two high schools.

The proposal will be voted on next week. Three conservatives on the five-person school board make up the majority of the school board. Speaking to the school news website Chalkbeat Colorado, Williams explained that American history is not entirely positive, and acknowledged that certain events should be taught. “But we shouldn’t be encouraging our kids to think that America is a bad place,” she said.

Thoughts?

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

The truth hurts sometimes! Teach them everything! I don't want any sheltered babies coming out of that school.

 

[Webster]

The truth hurts sometimes! Teach them everything! I don't want any sheltered babies coming out of that school.

Its' also a reminder that elections have consequences, especially the further down on the ballot an election race is. Everyone always focuses on the big races but forget about the local ones...this is but one consequence.

 

[Evil Eye]

What's that quote?
Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it?

 

[DrLeftover]

There is no doubt that the American educational system has become too political.

Homeschooling looks better all the time doesn't it.

 

[Evil Eye]

Homeschooling looks better all the time doesn't it.

Only if the people doing it are actually somewhat educated. Though I suppose at some point there won't be much of a difference.

 

[Dee]

I think this is downright stupid and a disservice to the citizens of our country. Human nature is violent and negative at times, and it's good to learn about our history the way it happened without being subjective about it. To teach only the "positive" things, skewed in a way that's robbing students of the truth, is sad and I sure as hell wouldn't want to send any of my offspring to a place that's not going to give them a comprehensive education.