Tag Archives: blackmail

The Republican Party and the Right After Trump

Wittes et al. — About that Explosive Trump Story: Take a Deep Breath

I made some silly jokes last night too, and I’m certainly no fan. But the facts aren’t all in on this one yet, so just hold up a bit. Lawfare did what I should have done: put on their critical thinking caps.

Satellites

State of the Discussion

3 mins ago

to Michele Kerr

A Teacher

+ For what it's worth I've not complained about you at all. If you think I requested a moderator's commentary you are mistaken. I wish you [. . .]

For what it's worth I've not complained about you at all. If you think I requested a moderator's commentary you are mistaken.

I wish you the best in your pursuits in the classroom. I am going to assume that we simply aren't expressing ourselves well here because I find your point of view when it comes to the rights of your transgender students to exist and be respected to be as puzzling, and frankly horrifying, as I'm sure you find my inability to "not advocate politics".

I won't stop not only enforcing civility but also advocating acceptance of my students.

I've saved lives by it.

[View in thread] -

When Schools Get Political, What Should Teachers Do?

12 mins ago

to A Teacher

Michele Kerr

+ "At the time it was a “political issue”." Wrong. That would be an educational issue. And, by the way, I know of no law ever that [. . .]

"At the time it was a “political issue”."

Wrong. That would be an educational issue.

And, by the way, I know of no law ever that banned schools from teaching science to girls. So advocating for it would not be advocating for a law change.

Also by the way, you now appear to be telling me what *I'd* do. Incorrectly. Please note that I'm unperturbed and uncomplaining.

[View in thread] -

When Schools Get Political, What Should Teachers Do?

18 mins ago

to Michele Kerr

A Teacher

+ Michele Kerr: “Teachers should not advocate for civil rights.” Not in the classroom or school community. In other words: In 1950 you would have been silent when a girl asked [. . .]

Michele Kerr:
“Teachers should not advocate for civil rights.”
Not in the classroom or school community.

In other words:

In 1950 you would have been silent when a girl asked to take a science class.

At the time it was a "political issue".

You suggest this is just a straw man, yet sure seems to be your exact position in a nutshell. Civil rights are political, and political statements in the classroom don't belong. If a student were to say "blacks are just unfit to vote like whites", that can be said with civility, but should be shown some kind of respect as a "political point of view".

Nothing in my 20 years of teaching suggest the right there is to say "well, that's your opinion".

I'm sorry.

[View in thread] -

When Schools Get Political, What Should Teachers Do?

32 mins ago

to A Teacher

Michele Kerr

+ Given how much you are conflating and inferring, I'm a bit hesitant to discuss this further, because I think you will see no distinction. "Schools [. . .]

Given how much you are conflating and inferring, I'm a bit hesitant to discuss this further, because I think you will see no distinction.

"Schools and school staff must remain neutral on all issues of politics."

Schools and school staff are government employees. They should not advocate for political outcomes in their status as government employees. That's entirely different from saying they must be neutral. I see no problem in teachers telling their students their own political views, although increasingly that's risky in these litigious times. But I see nothing wrong in a teacher identifying as a Democrat or a Republican, and think it's really wrong when they are attacked for this (ie, a teacher saying she's a Democrat and being slammed for being a baby killer, or a teacher getting fired for saying he voted for Trump.)

"Civil rights are political issues."

That's not an opinion, but a simple fact. They must be fought for and won in the political arena.

"Teachers should not advocate for civil rights."

Not in the classroom or school community.

Now, you have shown in three or four comments a real confusion between "advocating for civil rights" and "ensuring students treat each other civility". So try and understand, if you can, that no competent teacher would allow one student to tell another he or she was going to hell for any reason whatsoever. It's so bizarre that I am inferring you use it as a strawhorse. I would likewise find it absurd to see anyone argue that a teacher would stay silent if one student said she was a Christian and another said "your stupid god says all gays should go to hell."

That's not political neutrality. If you don't understand how to shut down that sort of conversation without resorting to political advocacy, I'm not sure what to tell you.

"I think you are wrong to push back against demanding that students embrace equality and civil rights afforded to all."

This is political activism. I don't make political demands of my students. No teacher should. And this does not in any way stop me from ensuring that all students are treated fairly and equitably. I find it puzzling that you would be incapable of doing the same.

[View in thread] -

When Schools Get Political, What Should Teachers Do?

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