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'History' Teacher Asks 14-Year-Olds to Renounce U.S. Citizenship
H/T Newsbuster.org
Bidwell Junior High School administrators said a letter sent home with students in an eighth-grade class Tuesday was a good idea for a history lesson, with bad execution. The letter, which appeared to ask parents to renounce their U.S. citizenship, prompted phone calls to the school from several irate recipients.
Principal Joanne Parsley said teacher Mike Brooks never intended to have parents sign the letters, or forward them on to President Bush, to whom they are addressed. "It was a well-intended lesson that didn't shake out too well," she said, adding that Brooks would not be subject to disciplinary action.
| What's the 'well-intended' part? |
Reached at home, the teacher said his U.S. History class is studying the Declaration of Independence, and he decided to write a letter putting the document into modern language. His intention, he said, was to send it home for parents to review, and possibly discuss with their children. He concluded the letter with "After careful consideration of the facts of our current situation, I have decided to announce to everyone that I am no longer a citizen of the United States, but a free and independent member of the global community."
"The point was, I wanted to ask parents if they would sign such a letter if conditions that existed prior to the Revolution were happening now," he said. "I just wanted to start a discussion."
| Sure. Just start a discussion. That's what pomo's generally say when they're caught. |
Parsley said Brooks sent the letter out with no explanation or disclaimer, and was relying on students to tell their parents it was part of a lesson plan.
She said several parents reacted adversely to the letter, but a few sent them back signed.
| Okay. They've renounced their citizenship. They'd better get a green card or a visa from the 'independent global community' or we'll deport them. Maybe we should deport them anyway. |
Chico resident Michael Hill said he was told by his daughter, Kaytlen Hill, 13, that the assignment was to have parents sign the letter and return it to class Wednesday. "The lesson being taught in class was that the U.S. kidnaps innocent people and takes them to Cuba, where they are kept indefinitely and tortured," Hill said he learned through his daughter.
| Seems like Teacher Brooks has been busy. Wonder what other 'history' he's been teaching? |
When Hill asked her if Brooks mentioned Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the U.S. imprisons terrorist suspects, he said his daughter replied "yes."
He said his daughter broke into tears when she talked about Brooks mentioning illegal wiretaps and other surveillance directed against innocent people. "I think I was more irritated by the classroom discussion than the letter," he said.
| I think you're right. Wonder if Mr. Brooks taught the class that 9/11 was an 'inside job'? |
Brooks said he was trying to establish a parallel between attitudes during Revolutionary times, and those of today. "When it was written, the Declaration was considered an inflammatory document," Brooks said. "There were a lot of loyalists around then."
| What parallels exist to today, exactly? |
The teacher said the letter led to some "wonderful discussion" on Wednesday.
Parsley and Chico Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Bob Feaster said they were shocked when they first saw the letter, which had gone out with no administrative approval, but wanted to give Brooks a chance to explain. Parsley said he came up with good arguments for the unusual lesson plan, but would do things a little differently next time.
Today, Parsley said, the teacher will send another letter home with students, explaining exactly what the first letter was about, and assuring them that it was only for classroom discussion.
Parsley said she doesn't believe Brooks has any political agenda to advance.
| Oh no, course not, just a simple teacher trying to inspire his students; just a complete coincidence that his lesson plan came out of the Democratic Underground ... |
Hill contended the lesson put forth by the teacher is inappropriate for middle-school students. His daughter reportedly told him the letter was an assignment, and she'd be in trouble if he didn't sign it. "How many did sign it, maybe without reading or understanding it?" Hill said.
| A few who are now no longer US citizens. |
On Wednesday, Hill said he requested his daughter be put in another history class, which was done immediately. He said Parsley responded to his phone call promptly Wednesday morning. She promised that Hill, and possibly some other upset parents, would get a personal letter of apology from the school.
| Not enough. Mr. Brooks should be looking for work in the food service or bowling industries. |
Posted by: Sherry 2007-09-16 |
