Thread by @JeffRoushPoetry

I had the opportunity last night to attend a local school board emergency session to discuss how to respond to a highly-respected curriculum director recorded and used on a “school choice” propaganda video. (Thread)
#ResistanceUnited
#LiveBlue2022

The video was created by an organization called “Accuracy in Media.” In these Orwellian times, you may surmise what that means. They lied to the school to get a chance to sit with the curriculum director, then sliced and spliced footage into a video.

The closest things they caught to damning information were (1) a statement that if a CRT law were passed, they may have to change the way they label discussion topics; and (2) she used staff development grant funds to purchase “White Fragility” for teachers to read if they chose.

Something gratifying to come out of this: in this fairly conservative community, despite what we’ve seen in so many places, there was a massive public turnout—overwhelmingly supporting this administrator.

Despite a 3 1/2 hour executive session before the public portion, the room was full when they came out. And eight people took the opportunity to speak to the board—7 of us doing so in support of this curriculum director.

I was fortunate enough to get to speak right after the one exception—someone who raised the concern that “White Fragility” could be anywhere near a school ever, and noting that it might be illegal. 🤦‍♂️

I did my best to do so respectfully; I don’t want the board to feel like the relationship with the public is antagonistic. I advised the gentleman who spoke before I did to read the book, as it is informative, thoughtful, and well-researched.

a.co/d/5RHBeBr

I followed by noting that many of the teachers with whom I’ve spoken are afraid. They feel all they do is being scrutinized for censorship. They assign student-selected novels rather than class novels for fear of being called out for random inappropriateness.

I concluded by saying this is the moment for the Board to send the message that it will stand behind its teachers and staff—or to show all their best teachers that their fears are well-founded.

After the community members who signed up to speak did so, Board members spoke as well. After laying out some of their thoughts, I responded with this email this morning to address what some of them said:

Their responses so far have been thoughtful and appreciative. I share all of this for two purposes: first, to show some of what is happening out there. People are lying and attacking educators for political purposes: in this case, to drive money away from public schools.

Second, these Board meetings are a real opportunity. If the most present people are those antagonistic to education, we’re all in trouble. When things are happening, show up. You won’t always win, but your presence matters. Local groups and issues matter.