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What do you think of the proposed National School Walkout on March 14? Women’s March Youth EMPOWER is calling for students, teachers and administrators to walk out of school at 10 am on that day for 17 minutes to protest Congress’ inaction in the wake of school shootings.
My initial thought is I’m leary of participating in such an action (it’s a declared “protest”) with my elementary students. We are always told to keep our political views out of our teaching. We are not supposed to push a political agenda. Colleagues seem to be biting at the bit to participate, but wouldn’t we be using the school day and our students as political pawns?
Our school is on the Civil Rights trail partly because our students took part in walk-outs years ago. I don't know if our students are as politically involved and aware as their predecessors were. I doubt they will participate. If they do, I will likely stay in the classroom unless directed otherwise by an administrator. I will maintain neutrality because that is what my sense of professionalism tells me to do. I may change my mind in the future if circumstances change, but I don't expect to.
What do you think of the proposed National School Walkout on March 14? Women’s March Youth EMPOWER is calling for students, teachers and administrators to walk out of school at 10 am on that day for 17 minutes to protest Congress’ inaction in the wake of school shootings.
Doesn't protesting this inaction imply a desired pro-action? If I'm not mistaken; there is more than one desired proactive approach being desired by voters. Meaning ... parents. And taxpayers.
In my county & others; the act of Congress that has been proposed by our elected Sheriff has been to do away with the ironic "school as a no-firearm zone" & instead train & license school staff as permitted concealed carry holders.
Is that what you will be advocating?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tgbwc
Colleagues seem to be biting at the bit to participate, but wouldn’t we be using the school day and our students as political pawns?
Yes.
What are the planned provisions for students who's parents object?
Is the school prepared to handle the harassment & potential bullying that might occur towards the students whose parents objected?
Is the school planning on requiring parental consent?
Is the school district willing to alienate the taxpayers that vote on budget increases & bond issues?
What do you think of the proposed National School Walkout on March 14? Women’s March Youth EMPOWER is calling for students, teachers and administrators to walk out of school at 10 am on that day for 17 minutes to protest Congress’ inaction in the wake of school shootings.
My initial thought is I’m leary of participating in such an action (it’s a declared “protest”) with my elementary students. We are always told to keep our political views out of our teaching. We are not supposed to push a political agenda. Colleagues seem to be biting at the bit to participate, but wouldn’t we be using the school day and our students as political pawns?
Your gut reaction is right. I can not begin to imagine the righteous fury of parents who have alternate political views at a school or teacher sanctioning the use of their child to make a political point. Elementary kids should not be inundated with political messaging, no matter how compelling it seems to the educator charged with their care. Children deserve the right to be free from political stress, not to mention in this case, they shouldn't have adults charged with their safety implying they won't be safe unless ABC happens when the whole walk out is about how ABC isn't happening.
High school students are a different story, since they are capable of independent political thought, and deciding whether or not they will be charged with skipping if they choose to protest is a discussion worth considering. But it needs to be their choice as to whether they want to try to protest or not - not their teachers telling them they should protest. Kids should never be used as pawns.
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