Politics and Public Schools

Last year my son's school district did not allow students to watch the President's speech on education. What a bunch of crap! And now they are at it again.  We all know why the current President is so controversial. Let's just say it.

1. Because he's Black!
2. Because folks believe he's Muslim (not that it would matter if he was)
3. Because the Republican party can't decide whether he's a fascist, a communist, a socialist, or whatever else they can make up
4. There's more, but I don't have much time

This is the letter I sent to my son's principal. 
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Hello,
I think it is terrible that my son and his classmates are unable to view the President of the United States' speech on education. Here is an opportunity for them to take pride in our nation, our nation's commitment to public education, and our President.

When I was a public school, the chance to see the President speak was a great honor and not caught up in the politics. I just do not believe that this is a technology issue since live streaming has become so common place in our society. I imagine that many students at this school can watch the live stream of the President's speech on their cell phones.

My wife and I may keep our son at home so that he may watch our President's speech.

I understand that this is a district decision and I hope you will forward my note to whomever made this very bad decision.

Thank you for your time,
Jaime

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Here is the note that they sent out to parents:

President Obama’s Speech to Public School Students 9/14/10

Last September, President Obama delivered an address to students in schools across the nation stressing the importance of a good education, challenging them to work hard, set educational goals, and stay in school.  He will be speaking to students again this school year in a speech broadcast on Tuesday, September 14^th.

 

In order to manage our technology across all classrooms, and to deal with a multitude of scheduling issues,  students in our K-8 schools will not watch the speech live on Tuesday, but will be shown the speech on a delayed basis later in the week or the following week.  Teachers will notify parents in writing as to when the speech will be shown in their classrooms.

 

Students will have the opportunity to view the speech live on September 14^th if they are in a class at that time where the speech would be an appropriate part of the curriculum.  If their schedule does not allow the live viewing of the speech, it will be made available on a delayed basis.

 

A link to the President’s speech to schoolchildren will be posted on the school website as soon as it is made available.  Parents are encouraged to view the speech and participate in a discussion with their children about the importance of staying in school and getting a good education.

 

As with other instructional decisions, parents will have the opportunity to opt their child out of viewing the speech by contacting their classroom teacher.