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We do support diversity of thought in the classroom and high standards for students of all ethnicities. We do support teaching students how to think but not what to think. We do not support the new educational ideology that prioritizes equal outcomes (equity) ahead of excellence and seeks to divide us on the basis of race.
On the agenda for the May 19 school board meeting there is a proposal to remove Catcher in the Rye and replace it with Slay. This is Item D3 which can be found here. Parents were given 10 days to review 4 proposed books for 9th and 10th grade, and the recommendation is the following: 1. Add in The Memory Police 2. Remove Catcher in the Rye and replace with Slay It is likely that very few parents have had the opportunity to read Slay. A brief recap of the troubling nature of this book is that it contains obscene language and promotes sexual relations between a high school aged girl and her boyfriend, in the parent’s home, with the parent’s knowledge and permission. In an era where we are teaching young women about empowerment, any book which subtly – or not so subtly – pressures her to engage in a sexual relationship with her boyfriend, runs counter to female empowerment. This book normalizes that activity and decision for minors. Slay is poorly written and has received poor reviews in terms of its literary values. |
We ask every parent to write to the school board as soon as possible here
If you provide input by 9am on 5/19 it will be attached to the agenda. Comments received by 4pm will be accepted but not posted to the agenda.
Points you can cover in your letter are:
1. Parents need more than 10 days to evaluate curriculum changes. Ask for this to be postponed until the second board meeting in June.
2. Students should not drive curriculum changes. Many student groups have been pushing for changes such as this. While we respect the enthusiasm of students, we need the adults in the room to ensure school values align with our community. A school board should not just succumb to the pressures of the moment. They should be thoughtful and deliberative with their decisions.
3. Note for the school board your values of what you consider to be appropriate vs. inappropriate reading materials.
We have STRENGTH in numbers, and TOGETHER we can be a force that pushes back against these changes and instead pushes for EXCELLENCE and an APOLITICAL educational environment that allows students to develop critical thinking skills, the ability to debate varying points of view and above all, continue to strive for excellence in education.