In Indiana, an elementary school allows parents to opt-out of lessons that relate to Black History Month.
According to a letter from school counselor Benjamin White at Sprunica Elementary School in Nineveh, Indiana, parents are encouraged to allow their students to receive “lessons related to equity, caring, and understanding differences,” noting that studies have shown students with a “greater understanding of diversity in the classroom and outside world will demonstrate improved learning outcomes.”
However, the letter also provides a form at the bottom for parents if they don’t want their children taking part.
Indiana’s public school system offers parents the chance to opt out of Black History Month. pic.twitter.com/L1QxmH9lRm
— Kolleen (@littlewhitty) February 16, 2022
After receiving criticisms on social media, Brown County Schools District issued a press statement to address concerns.
“We are gathering more information on the matter. In the meantime, know that we support teaching about the facts in our history including historical injustices,” Brown County Schools Superintendent Emily Tracy said.
The district also posted a message on Facebook regarding the letter.
“Our district supports teaching about the facts in our history including historical injustices,” the post read. “We are and will continue to be committed to having compassion for all and supporting an education community that will allow all students, staff, families and community members the opportunity to feel welcome.”
At the same time, another statewide controversy is brewing. Right now legislation entitled House Bill 1134The Indiana state legislature is currently considering a bill that would limit the teaching abilities of teachers.
The bill has been somewhat diluted. It originally required teachers to send a full-year of detailed lesson plans to parents. many educators said would lead to them leaving the state or the profession. But even with those changes made, restrictions remain on what teachers could say or discuss in the classroom — including expressing an opinion on topics like fascism or Nazism, or teaching lessons that could cause “discomfort” for students on topics of race or gender.
“Instead of stifling tough conversations in the classroom, we should trust educators as professionals to provide students with an education that enables them to learn from the mistakes of our past and to help us all to create a better future,” said Keith GambillPresident of the Indiana State Teachers Association. “Even in improved form, HB 1134 still feeds divisiveness and the politicization of our public schools.”
