Please help - Repuke HS teacher with an agenda

[NJ_Lib]

I have a big dilemma and I need the advice of the good people of DU to decide how to proceed...

My 16 years old daughter just started 11th grade at a local high school. She is a bright and dedicated student who makes the honor-roll every semester. Unlike most kids in her class, she actually likes to go to school and learn and is very aware of current affairs and social issues. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that most kids in her class couldn't care less about what's going on in the world, and since this is a Repuk area, they pretty much repeat what they hear at home.

This year we carefully selected her courses since she would like to someday attend Med-school. One of her classes is "Man's Inhumanity to Man-kind"... We were very excited about this class as she loves history and discussing current events, until we met the teacher...

This piece of shit I'll call Mr.B, has shocked and appalled us beyond belief... You will NOT believe what this asshole is doing... Back at election time when the news came down that Chimpy would get 4 more years, Mr.B was in the halls the next day, jumping up and down yelling "Bush Won, Bush Won" for all to see... Now, these teachers are not supposed to show their Political affiliations but if I thought that was bad, so much worse was yet to come...

This kid comes home from school every day with a new unbelievable story... "Mom, today Mr.B said that Repukes are the stronger party in America today and have more support than ever before"... The next day, "Mom, today Mr.B said that Bill Clinton is immoral and Hillary Clinton is awful for sticking by him".... What? Ok, now I'm pissed... Immoral? When was it that we started teaching morals in public schools, and who's morals are we teaching? I was pissed but let it go... Keep in mind, this is the same man who carries in his briefcase books like "Liberalism is a Mental Disorder" and makes sure the kids see it... This is the same prick who sat there at "Back to School" night and told us he does not reveal his Political preferences to the kids and teaches from a neutral point of view... Yeah... Right...

The following day I hear, "Mom, Mr.B said today that we have a local KKK chapter right here in town and he wanted to show us how "messed up" they are, so he sent away for literature to show us"... Wait, it gets better... "He also said that he filled out the application and sent it back but was denied because he is a Catholic"... What? He actually sent in the application, hun? Yes Mom, he said he sent it in "to show us" how messed up the KKK is, and he proceeded to hand out a copy of the application to every student... Hmmm... Now I'm worried... At this point I am thinking this A-hole has some kind of agenda... It gets better...

Next day, "Mom, today Mr.B said a woman does not have what it takes to be President"... Oh my freakin God... Oh no he didn't.... Yes, he did... He also asked the kids how many would feel comfortable having a woman as President (four kids raised their hands, FOUR!!!) to which he replied "See what I mean?" And a few minutes later when a girl put out her hand for a copy of the homework, he said: "See, this is why women can't be President, they have no patience"... Ok, now there's steam coming out of my ears...

Yesterday she comes home from school and says "Ooooh Mom, you're gonna be so pissed when I tell you this"... What? "Today Mr.B was saying that all the hippies and druggies of years past are now known as "Democrats"... OH MY FREAKIN' GODDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!! That's fucking IT! I starting flipping out and grabbed my purse and car keys and was headed for the door. I was going to see the Principle and was not leaving until this guy was fired! I didn't make it that far... She grabbed my arm and starting yelling "NO MOM, NO!" We argued for a few minutes and this is the bottom line... She is 16... She does not want me to go and "start", as she calls it... I explain to her calmly that sometimes in life you have to take a stand at whatever cost, to right an obvious wrong... I explain that even if it means being embarrassed or whatever may come, it is a sacrifice that must be made for the good of the community.... She doesn't want to hear it... Swears that she'll NEVER tell me anything again if I do this... She is asking me to wait until the end of the semester and only then do something but anonymously... Yes, I know this is selfish of her but she doesn't understand how important this is... I mean she does, as she's just as angry about all of this, but you know what it's like to be 16... By the way, not a single kid in that class ever speaks up, either out of fear or maybe they all agree, who knows...

I just don't know what to do... I know this situation has to be addressed and fast but I don't want to lose the confidence of my kid over this and I also realize it will be my word against his and he could just deny everything... I asked her if she would tape the lessons from now on but she is a little scared to do that... What if it goes off in the middle of class, or what if he finds it? She's afraid of him... I could probably talk her into taping but I just don't know how much longer I can sit and do nothing... I don't want to upset my kid and this will be "war" between us if I handle this the way I want to...

Please help me... Please advise... What should I do?

If you have any words of wisdom about this for my kid, please share here... I will show her this thread and hopefully she'll be more willing to "negotiate" with me...

Thank you so much in advance!

[StopTheMorans]

1. I didn't like Puk the first time on the Real World, so i sure as wouldn't

like RePuk :grr:

[BigMcLargehuge]

2. challenge him to a debate in front of the class

[NJ_Lib]

24. That is a really...

Excellent idea!!!

Although remember, according to him, he doesn't reveal his affiliations...

I really like this idea as my daughter is always saying "I wish you were a student in this class, Mom"... She wants to argue with him so bad but knows he will run lyrical circles around her, in front of everybody, and make her look like a fool...

On the other hand, she knows what will happen if I debate this prick... :) No Repuke has yet been able to run circles around me with their tired "talking points"... I would love to nail his ass to the wall, right there in front of all his students...

Hmmm, I wonder if he'll go for this...

Thanks for the idea!

[Lars39]

3. Sounds like she would get more out of that class reading on her own.

That said, I'd nail his frickin ass to the wall, using the correct channels, of course, preferably those way over his head.
This is a life lesson for your daughter: some things are worth fighting for or against, regardless of the fallout.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. She's afraid. I don't blame her.

If the students are happy with such a fundamentalist mullah as a teacher, there may be a threat to her physical safety if you make too much "noise".

Is it practical for her to switch schools? And THEN go nuclear on the so-called "teacher"?

[nickinSTL]

5. that guy has no business being a teacher

all of what you talk about is offensive, but the sexist crap is particularly bad, and is probably harrassment of the female students.

I'm no lawyer, and don't know what would be required to prove that, but I'd be furious if someone told my daughter she didn't have what it takes to be President because she's female.

I'd have brushed off the teenager and demanded his termination.

[Arazi]

6. Ask her teacher if your daughter can tape his lectures

Make the request innocuous. Even phrase it as something like "my daughter wants to make sure she understands the information correctly and if she tapes the class, she'll be a better student." Since your daughter is already a good student, this shouldn't unduly alarm the teacher. She's already shown from her previous 2 years at school that she's one of the "good" girls....

Honor your daughter's request to wait until the end of the semester to approach the principal. Her request to stay anonymous will be shot but at least you met her half-way.

Use the rest of the semester to create a timeline of offensive comments, backed up by the relevant tapes.

You will be prepared to back your case with documentation AND you will respect your student's request.

Good luck. He sounds like a major asshole.

[newportdadde]

10. Pretty interesting idea but I would worry about repurcussions.

This type of person this teacher sounds like the kind who would be very paranoid. I'm guessing he would not allow it but if he did you can bet he would be concerned and could take it out on the student. Still its a pretty interesting idea and if he continued on you could certainly get him fired.

[Mutley]

19. Even if he won't allow a tape recorder...

get your daughter a cheap spiral notebook in which she should write exactly what he says, the time that he says it, and the date that he says it. Document EVERY word of this crap. It will still be her word against his, but no one is going to believe a 16 year-old sat there and made all that up.

Man, this pisses me off. No teacher should be proselytizing their students with politics. Repub or liberal. The repubs bitch and moan that the LIBERAL teachers are indoctrinating their kids with *gasp* LIBERAL ideas!! Oh the HORROR! How is this any better?

:rant:

[Craig3410]

21. Welcome to DU!

That's probably what I'd do, too; without proof, he'll probably deny he said anything.

[NJ_Lib]

25. That sounds like a plan....

Thank you for the excellent suggestions...

I think I will take your advice and begin creating a timeline documenting everything and then just bide my time until the semester is over (if I can last that long)...

Thank you!

[Democrats_win]

7. Drop the class take something that will better prepare her for Med career.

Even if she took a plain old philosophy course, she'd at least learn about the different philosophies over the centuries. This will help her in her first freshman humanities college course.

If you want to learn about man's inhumanity to man, study the informative book:

"We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our
Families, Stories From Rwanda"

By PHILIP GOUREVITCH

which not only discusses Rwanda but also the topic of genocide in the 20th century.

Obviously, this teacher is demonstrating man's inhumanity to man himself.

[riderinthestorm]

9. It's high school. Probably can't drop the class.

You can't sign up for another class in high school at this stage of the game. It's 2 months into the semester already.

And if she drops it, she loses credits, putting her in jeopardy of not graduating on time (or having to go to summer school to make it up).

I'd vote for Arazi's solution too.

[NJ_Lib]

27. Exactly.. Too late to

drop the class now... We're stuck...

Thank you!

[NJ_Lib]

26. The school counsler advised she take

this course if she wants to go into medicine... She seems to think it will help but I too had my doubts... You would think there are better choices for a med career but nevertheless, we're now stuck in this class...

Thank you!

[BreweryYardRat]

8. What a shithead.

I'd suggest going with Arazi's idea. It's probably the second most effective option available.

The most effective option, sadly, is illegal.

[NJ_Lib]

30. Funny you should say that...

Her Step-father's first reaction was to go and have "a little talk" with him, as he put it... It took everything in me to say "No thanks"... :)

[johnnie]

11. Is this a public school?

This guy sounds like a complete idiot.

I would buy her a small tape recorder and have her turn it on before each class starts. Then I would compile all the bullshit he is spouting on to a cd or something and send it anonymously to the local papers and the school board.

To maybe get his goat a bit before each class she should try to sneak articles, pictures and other liberal information on to his desk or something. Then he will freak out every day and she can have it on tape.

[NJ_Lib]

28. Thanks, I was crackin' up at...

your suggestion... I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to get this prick going... Just put a picture of Clinton on his desk with the caption: "The best President in History", and watch the fireworks begin... :)

Thank you for that laugh! :)

[xmas74]

12. I wouldn't be anonymous.

I fight w/ my little girl's school all the time.
My recommendation: complain at the next school board meeting about how unprofessional this teacher is. Write down all examples (w/ dates, if you can remember them). DO NOT go in there w/ what can be perceived as an agenda against the teacher. Rather, let them know that you would like a curriculum that is less biased and taught more to the center.

If that doesn't work, contact your local NAACP chapter and let them know that a teacher is working in the public school system who has bragged about applying to the KKK and also contact your state's Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education. Let the NAACP know how bothered you and your child were by his "annoucement" and how you feel that someone who would talk about this should not be teaching impressionable young children (which she still is). INO, they will be more than happy to back you up(the chapter in my small town is wonderful and would be happy to listen to any concerns that parents of all races and backgrounds voice to them).

[newportdadde]

13. Switch class if possible... otherwise...

Chalk it up to a life lesson your daughter is getting to see an true asshole at 16. Its not a pleasant experience but it might be valuable. I was around some of these as teen, teachers, one banker who screwed my dad out of 5k on a loan etc. Most people she will run into in her life, coworkers, realestate deals, car deals, strangers etc will be assholes too so she should probably be prepared.

[Bluerthanblue]

14. NO!!! Rejoice- because

your daughter is showing you what SHE is made of- The fact that she sees the utter garbage this man is attempting to shove down kids throats, and even more than that, the relationship she has with you, in being able to bring this outrageous activity to your attention says your daughter is WISE beyond her years, and truly 'in touch' with the real world- She is clearly a smart, and involved person.

The damage this man is doing to those in the class who AREN'T as 'together' as your daughter IS an issue. But, how to deal with that is the tough part.

This 'teacher' is giving your daughter, and the entire class a PRIME example of the course's title- "Mans inhumanity to man"- If your daughter can afford the hit to her grade, her term paper could be based on the very examples you have cited here, that are examples of how what may 'seem' innocent- or 'harmless' opinions, grow into, and cause incredible harm to others- The sexist context could be compared to the course title itself- Humanity's inhumanity would have been more appropriate.- Men and women ARE different- but how many societies have been run by women? And how does the 'feminine' aspect of society influence for the GOOD- the actions taken by those in power- (who have by and large been men?)-

The abuse of 'authority' in ALL its ugly places- from fundamentalist christian homes where some 'males' use their power to do evil- Churches which abuse the 'trust' of those who look to them for guidance, nurturing and protection (this teacher might be very sub-consciously uncomfortable with the sexual abuse scandals in his own 'belief' system) The abuse of power in the government, torture in the military, people living homeless, starving, without medical care right here in the USA ,the most 'prosperous' nation of the world- where does all this fit in???

How well do you know any of the other parents in your daughters class? You might want to put out some 'feelers' - how do your daughters friends feel about this asshole teacher? I clearly understand your RAGE- and the urge to put an end to what this man is doing- but I also understand the situation your daughter is in. My best advise is to look to the other students, and parents, and together approach the administration- If that is not possible- I would spend some time screaming around the house, saying all the inappropriate things about this man i could think of, and when I had exhausted myself, make an appointment with the principal, and discuss my concerns as calmly and clearly as possible- giving examples, and the reasons you feel that his behaviour is not only inappropriate, but harmful for the students, even if "his intentions" might come from the heart- (kiss-up) The road to hell is paved with good- intentions.

I wish you luck- and I applaud you AND your daughter for living with your eyes wide open- and for not just turning to 'denial' rather than face ugly and damaging reality-

blu

[NJ_Lib]

29. Thanks Blu, for the wonderful...

compliments and words of encouragement! God truly shined upon me when he gave me this child!

I loved your idea of doing the final term paper on this very subject, incorporating the class title into it... That is a really excellent idea! We already know he will put a big fat "F" across such a paper but I'm pretty sure her GPA can handle it and it would be so worth it just to make our point with him!

Thanks again for all of your kind words! It really meant a lot to me! :)

[DebinTx]

15. It's rather ironic that this course is titled

"mans inhumanity to man" as the teacher has clearly demonstrated inhumanity to his fellow man. Is there any remote possibility that he may be trying to provoke the students to speak up when they're treated this way? It doesn't sound like it but it could be possible.

I would speak to him first (after your daughter has her A for the class safely tucked into her GPA) and if I wasn't satisfied then I'd take it up with the principal and/or school board. Then I'd let all hell break loose on him.

[Left_Winger]

16. Some advice from a teacher

First off, you must take a stand regardless of your child's opinion (sorry if I've offended you). This "teacher" is breaking the law; and emphasize this!

Schedule an appointment with the principal and the teacher; do not allow them to avoid you, they must be in the meeting at the same time. Present your evidence against this teacher, make sure it is documented and then pose the following questions:
1. How does this fit into your syllabus? Please explain.
2. How does this coincide with the NJ Department of Education's standards (concerning the subject he teaches)? Please explain (state the standards: Section 3, paragraph B of such and such...).

Then look the principal in the eye and state that if corrective action is not taken, with evidence of the actions taken provided to you, inform the principal that your next stops are the school board and the media; and you will be accompanied by an attorney (there are attorneys who specialize in school law), to make the case public as to how this school is in violation of the law.

We had a similar example at my school and now both the principal and the "preaching geometry teacher" are now gone. If we can do it in SC, I know you can do it in NJ.

Fight it baby, FIGHT!

[NJ_Lib]

32. No, you have NOT offended

me in any way! I totally appreciate your words!

Thank you so much for your post, I will definitely use what you've given me when I finally go to see the principle... I will demand answers to your questions as they may think I know what I'm talking about if I repeat what you've said, word for word... :)

Thanks so much and yes, I promise I WILL fight this with all I have!

Thank you!

[GrpCaptMandrake]

17. Random Notes On Fascist Educators

To the student:

I wholeheartedly understand your desire that your Mom not address this situation. I, too, about 2 1/2 million years ago, was in a similar situation. I begged my folks not to intervene, but they did anyway, because I was in the right and didn't need to fight that kind of battle all alone. In the end, we won, but only because I had the loving, determined support of my parents. Let your Mother be your Mother. It seems her judgment is sound.

Second, study and learn the 14 defining characteristics of fascism. They're here http://www.ratical.org/ratville/CAH/fasci14chars.html Your teacher is a fascist, no matter what else he may call himself. As you study the list, think about how they apply to your teacher. Use the 14 characteristics as (polite) talking points during discussion. For instance, he says: "We must have a strong miltary because we want to fight them over there instead of here." You reply "But isn't that one of the 14 defining characteristics of fascism?" When he takes the bait, there's your opening. Bear in mind that AT NO TIME will you call this man a fascist. You will merely make it clear at every turn that he is supporting fascist policies. Above all, you will be the soul of politeness.

Mom, you need to have a chat with the principal and then the school board. You will use nothing but pleasant tones and proper words. You start the process without Mr. Fascist. Just you and the principal. Impress upon the principal your passion for free speech. Make it clear that you do not wish to muzzle the teacher for whatever stands he takes outside of class, but that you do not think it appropriate for him to attempt to politically proselytize the students.

Keep a diary of what is said and when, as your daughter reports it. If you try the taping route, explain that it is because your daughter, hoping to someday attend medical school, hopes to meticuolously transcribe her notes. And later, after you've copied the tapes and transcribed them, burn his ass.

Both of you should find like-minded people with whom to work. Go ahead and do the legwork in advance. Is there an ACLU chapter? Make contact now. How about your newspaper? Radio? You must be prepared in advance to bring an entire phalanx to bear against him.

Learn the relevant portion of the school board's policy manual. When you make an accusation, be prepared to do so by showing which policy the teacher has violated. Think of it as an indictment.

Above all, you must maintain personal control. If that slips, the whole thing will wind up collapsing all around you.

Best of luck. Fighting fascism is always difficult, if for no other reason than the fact that most non-thinking people are quite comfortable with it. It calls for no sacrifice beyond those of personal civil liberties, and most Americans don't give a tinker's dam about those anyway. The apathy of the people is the loamy soil in which fascism easily grows.

[NJ_Lib]

33. I have printed up the 14 defining characteristics of fascism and

will save this forever!

Thank you very much for sharing your story and for the excellent list of characteristics of fascism...

I appreciate it~! :)

[StuckinBFE]

18. Along time ago I was in a similar situation

with a teaching breaking the rules.

I had a teacher that was basing our grade on how much money we raised for the school yearbook. Obviously this is not a fair system because some of the kids would have their well to do parents by adds for there business thus buying their "A". We were friends with the Assistant Superintendent and my mom said to his wife that I was stress caused I was having a hard time raising the money for my grade (at this time we didn't realize that this was not legal). Anyways our family friend sent out an e-mail to all the teachers saying you need to stop this practice. Couple weeks later our friend asked my mom (again we had no clue what was going on) how this yearbook class was coming along, the teacher hadn't stopped. So our friend called the teacher in and with the Superintendent told her they new what she was doing and she needed to stop. Again we had no clue what was going on and she continued her policy and again the Superintendent told her to stop otherwise she is fired (by now our Assistant Superintendent Friend told us what was going on). Then some how this women found out I was the person behind this all and cornered me in front of class and yelled at me, worst thing was I was new to school and everybody loved her so I looked like the ass. Eventually I dropped the class (with no penalty) and I believe she got fired the next year.

Sorry for such a long story. So my advice go to the principal or school board members tell them that a teacher (no names) is preaching his political beliefs to the class and you are not comfortable with it. Just proceed from there, don't sit down with the teacher (that way hopefully he will not know it is your daughter) let the administrators take care of the teacher that is their job.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

20. Stay out of it

I'm a teacher. It will humiliate her and could mark her with the other teachers as a problem. (however, they all probably know this guy is an ass)

What better preparation for life than meeting up with a political extremist? It gives you guys great fodder for evening dinner conversation. He is teaching her way more than he knows.

One thing, though, it is not true that teachers are not supposed to show political preference. That right (to wear political buttons, etc.) is written into virtually every teacher contract in the country.

And his right to teach from a particular point of view is covered under academic freedom. The right wing is freaking out about this stuff, but from the other direction and on college campuses.

[GrpCaptMandrake]

31. So if it's his right to inculcate his values . . .

. . . as a result of academic freedom, it is the concommitant right of the students to remonstrate (respectfully) with him for his sick perspective, no?

[Craig3410]

22. Nail the bastard.

My mother probably would have had the prick fired after the "bush won" thing.... :)

[bbernardini]

23. Don't call him Mr. B! That's what my students call ME!

No, I'm not that guy, obviously. However, I say nail him.

[NJ_Lib]

34. Sorry Mr. B but I'm sure you're nothing

like the Mr.B I'm dealing with here...

Thank you for getting up every day and going to school and putting up with all of the crap that comes along with it, in order to educate our kids and prepare them for life.

I appreciate you and thank you for your time!

[NJ_Lib]

35. Thank you so much to everybody who

stopped by here and responded... I appreciate all of your ideas and words of encouragement! I feel much stronger and more prepared to go and fight against this now! I will make a timeline and document everything and just wait for the right time to strike back...

Thanks so much to everybody!