February 8th 2024.
A school in Florida has recently sparked controversy by asking parents to sign a permission slip in order for their children to participate in Black History Month activities. Parents at IPrep Academy were taken aback by this request from the administration, feeling that it was unnecessary and concerning. The form specifically asks parents and guardians to indicate whether they want their children to take part in "class and school-wide presentations that showcase the achievements and recognize the rich and diverse traditions, histories, and countless contributions of the Black communities."
One parent, Jill Peeling, expressed her concern over the problematic nature of the request, stating, "I was shocked and concerned as a citizen." At first, she thought she may have misunderstood the form, but upon further reflection, she realized that her initial thoughts were correct. This issue has been brought to light as Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has recently implemented new mandates for teaching Black history in the state. These mandates, which include extolling the benefits of slavery, have been met with criticism from several lawmakers, including Byron Donald, the state's only Black Republican congressman.
However, Florida is not the only state facing backlash for its approach to teaching Black history. In Missouri, protests erupted after a conservative-dominated school board voted to remove Black history electives and cancel an anti-discrimination policy. Marvin Dunn, an expert in African American history and a professor at Florida International University, believes that actions like these will lead to a generation of people who are misinformed about Black history. He argues that when parents are given the power to decide whether their children can participate in these activities, it creates unequal learning opportunities.
Furthermore, Dunn believes that the interference of DeSantis' administration in the classroom is inappropriate and will have serious consequences. "The intent of the DeSantis attack on education is to make schools and teachers more cautious about what they teach, and unfortunately, it's working," he stated. "It's not just about banning books, it's about banning ideas." This sentiment is echoed by Miami-Dade School Board Member Steve Gallon, who believes that the permission slip was simply a way for the district to comply with state board rules. "We have to follow the law," he said in an interview with Business Insider. However, he also expressed his discomfort with the situation, stating that "something feels very off here, and the fact that the school needs to cover themselves against the state feels even worse."
Gallon went on to clarify that the permission slip was only intended to obtain parental consent for visitors who may come on campus during Black History Month. It was not meant to restrict or discourage students from learning about Black history. This issue has sparked an important conversation about the role of parental involvement in education and the impact of government mandates on teaching. As Black History Month approaches, it is crucial to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive and accurate education about the contributions and experiences of Black communities.
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