All across the country teachers are being told to shut up about President Bush and his war. As one concerned parent to another, I urge you to send email.
The latest (CNN) story about shushing teachers comes from Maine:
"Maine teachers warned: Watch anti-war talk in classroom"
"Maine's top education official (has) warned teachers to be careful of what they say in class about a possible invasion of Iraq."
Memo's such as the one sent to Maine school districts have a chilling effect on teachers. I don't see a problem with presenting both sides of this important question, but what we are seeing appears to be a pre-emptive effort to prevent any mention of war whatsoever. Silence about war makes war more likely.
I'm sending emails to complain that teachers are being silenced. I hope that you will too. We must stop this pro-war drumbeat before it sweeps every school district in the country.
The above official's email address is:
duke.albanese@maine.gov
Here are the important links:
Story--
http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/02/28/teachers.iraq.ap/index.html
Other email addresses of Maine School officials--
http://www.state.me.us/education/lsalt/leadership.htm
Picture of the commissioner--
http://www.state.me.us/education/welcome.htm
Original: Teacher Shut Up (don't mention the war)