I heard about this story on Glenn Beck, and wanted to look into it. Here is the video, an excerpt from a Sweedish documentary about the US Presidential Election. As you see, Diantha Harris, is an obvious Barack Obama supporter and does not keep the political discussion neutral. What angers me, is when a daughter of a military officer is singled out, and told her daddy will be in Iraq for another hundred years because of the man they were voting for. Before I get worked up, I always try to think, "would it be ok if it was a teacher I agreed with?" What if it was the other way around? What if an elementary school teacher singled out an Obama supporter, and told them that Obama was going to take all of their daddy's money and give it to other people. It is an overexaggeration and wrong. Just like this teacher's actions.
School is a place where kids should be comfortable and confident to voice their opinions and be themselves completely. I don't worry about my kids being exposed to other view points or philosophies when they go to school, because they are being taught right from wrong in the home. But when a teacher singles them out, and belittles their beliefs, it crosses the line. The Superintendent released a statement, which said that this teacher created an "uncomfortable situation" and took "inappropriate actions". She is being investigated, and "appropriate action will be taken."
What if your child was in this situation? What would you do as a parent?
3 comments:
YIKES! I would not be happy if that happened to one of my boys! I don't know what I would do though. Probably confront the teacher or the principle.
A few weeks ago while subbing an 8th grade class, I had about five students ask me who I was voting for. I rerouted the question, and said, I don't know. Who are you voting for? They kept asking and I kept responding the same way. I finally said I'm voting for... a man. And one kid said, You must be voting for McCain then. Ha, if they only knew.
You're not supposed to share your beliefs, religious, or political, not even in a government class. Doing so can get you fired.
Teachers walk a fine line now more so than when we were kids. They have to be extra careful, almost obnoxiously so, not to offend a child or the parents. People sue over some silly stuff. Makes for a harsh learning environment.
I don't think there is harm in answering a question, but leaving it at that. I had a piano student (who definitely pulled for Obama, mom has worn t-shirts and pins) ask me on voting day, and I said McCain. And left it at that. I know it is a fine line, but I don't think teachers should be scared into being personable or open. The small few just take it too far. And this lady took it WAY too far.
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