Comments on: Inauguration viewing linked to curriculum; some CMCSS students denied a view of “history as it happened”

By: Debbie Boen

Debbie Boen — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:21:10 +0000

If teachers had decided, on their own, that they didn’t want to watch the inauguration in class, then that would be a missed chance to educate children on what is possible in the United States, what inaugural speeches are like, what millions of people are excited about, what our president is calling on us to do and why this inauguration is new history. Bravo to the teachers who made the choice, and in this case found an excuse, to show the inauguration.

For the school administration to suggest that teachers/principals should not watch the inauguration in school unless it pertains to class, suggests that the administration either does not have a firm grasp of what they are trying to accomplish in school enough to defend this kind of education, or does not firmly believe that it is a good idea that students watch our first Black American President address the nation. In a country that still struggles to give equal rights to everyone, this was the right time to get all students involved with our new Black president. There are a lot of nasty conclusions one could make about our school administration. Even if all Clarksville parents did not want their children to watch the inauguration, one does not need to ask permission to teach history.
So sad and disappointed about such an important and valuable missed opportunity.

By: DJR

DJR — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:41:50 +0000

In response to Blayne Clements’ question of how this was handled in prior years, I can say my classes were never interrupted for an inauguration, but now I wish they had been. I wish my education had emphasized civics as much as history. It was a mistake that should be corrected, not perpetuated.
According to the Leaf Chronicle, an e-mail was sent to the School Principals stating: “If any of your teachers is going to show the Inauguration in the classroom it should be tied to their curriculum,..I think you may leave yourself open to question if students are just watching the Inauguration in a passive manner. If it is tied to instruction the Inauguration can be a highly relevant event to learn about and from.” This e-mail was provided by Middle Schools Director Sean Impeartrice, and it is unclear from the article if the same e-mail was sent to the all the Principals.
I think that trying to single out the teachers who chose not to show the inauguration would not be very productive. They are on the front lines every day, they have so much to deal with. If the message in this e-mail is describes the kind of support they could expect to receive, who can blame them for choosing to not take on one more burden? However, I did write to Mr. Michael Harris, Director of Schools, to express my gratitude that my son’s school’s Principal had decided to have the students view the inauguration. She and all other Principals who took a stand and did the right thing should be thanked. I also expressed my disappointment that other students missed out, and my hope this mistake will not be repeated.

By: An Open Mind

An Open Mind — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:49:49 +0000

So, several of the parents don’t want their children exposed to our American President’s political views eh?

Are you kidding me!? That is the most blatant display of ignorance I can imagine. It’s one thing for our nation’s adults to want to remain oblivious, …but to help create another generation of embarrassing American ignorance is laughable… and mind-blowingly inexcusable.

By: Blayne Clements

Blayne Clements — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Denying children from seeing history because its occurs in a period they happen to have a math class is absurd.

I was surprised to see that the viewing was left up to individual teachers; I thought the students would have congregated enmass and watched as group.

How was this handled in prior election years?
Can we determine and publish which teachers denied students the ability to watch this?

By: Turner McCullough Jr.

Turner McCullough Jr. — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:18:22 +0000

That any teacher could or would acquiesce to the narrow mindset of a select few to deny a classroom of students, keen to witness history in the making, that opportunity is beyond explanation. It would be irresponsible and unprofessional and unconscionable.

Reality has made real a too long denied dream of an abused people in this, our, native land. Such bigotry and small-thinking has brought shame upon our community. I, for one, will not suffer your indignity in camaraderie nor silence. This shame is yours alone to bear. Former US Senator Barack Hussein Obama IS a citizen of These United States, duly elected to the Office of the Presidency and Commander-in-Chief. Those are FACTS! PERIOD.

With charity, to those who wish to continue to deny this reality, I shall pray that your hearts be made light that the scales of ignorance may fall away from your eyes.

Change HAS COME to America! It is a new day. It IS a New World!

By: Luvmy5

Luvmy5 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:29:34 +0000

Had I known my children wouldn’t have been able to watch the Inauguration for the 44th President, I would have kept them home and they could have watched it LIVE with me. All these people who don’t “believe” in what The President has to say or offer, should just leave this country! Because from now on all they will see is PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA EVERYWHERE and in EVERYTHING that those of us who are proud of this new President will do. So he’s not God, come on people! He can’t make miracles. The true miracle happened when a biracial man was elected the 44th President of United States!!!! Praise God!!!! This country finally knows and will know what CHANGE is !