So my 7th grade daughters study hall teacher saw her Obama

[mcctatas]

pin and told her that "Barack Obama is un-American, he won't say the pledge of allegiance". I called the principle and left a message for him to get back to me. Any input on how I should handle this would be greatly appreciated.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Flaming bag of dog poo on the woman's doorstep.

:thumbsup:

[maseman]

6. Actually light the bag first. They stomp it out and well...you know the rest.

[trueblue2007]

30. we did that on Halloween. I haven't thought of that for years!!

I will volunteer to do it!!!

[kath]

98. Here in OKC, 6 people died in a house fire thought to have been started by such a stunt.

Very sad story.
http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/News/Fire-Investigators-Havent-Determined-Deadly-Oklahoma-Fires-Cause/46$38655

Apparently there wasn't enough evidence to go to trial, but it was strongly suspected that a neighbor girl put a burning box of dog feces on the front porch, where the fire started.

My friend's daughter knew one of the kids that died.

[DesertFlower]

12. let's act like adults.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

14. We're past that.

[DesertFlower]

25. not that i don't like your idea,

but i think reporting her and making a big deal out of it would be better. if it were my child i would be up at the school first thing tomorrow and i would confront this woman.

[Regret My New Name]

153. Can't do both?

[asdjrocky]

59. So you're saying we should use grown up dog poop?

[DesertFlower]

61. lol. nt

[Regret My New Name]

152. lol

[MichiganVote]

2. Hopefully the principal has more sense than the teacher.

[TahitiNut]

88. I wonder if the principal knows it's every child's right to refuse to recite the Pledge?

For this 'teacher' to claim it's "unAmerican" to assert one's HUMAN RIGHTS, on top of the LIE about Obama, is the total opposite of what schools MUST teach.

[MichiganVote]

96. Doubtful. And yes, students do have the right to refuse the pledge AND to be protected from ridicule

[NightWatcher]

3. demand she lose her job for lying to your child

[Jane Austin]

7. I like this one! n/t

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

9. And for racial discrimination.

File a formal complaint.

[enlightenment]

41. Excuse me, but where is the racial discrimination?

Do you see something in that story I don't see? Because all I see is an adult spewing some standard election-year propaganda - there's nothing "racial" in saying that someone is unAmerican.

I suspect that it would be best just to have a chat with the school principal, and suggest that she/he have a chat with the person who made the comment. I would hope, however, that since the child chose to "wear" her politics, she is informed enough to support her position, assuming it is her position and that she isn't simply wearing her parents' support without understanding what she is doing.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

134. LOL

"there's nothing "racial" in saying that someone is unAmerican."

Pull the other one.

[enlightenment]

135. No, I don't think there is anything inherently racial

in calling someone un-American. Concepts of nation and race are not intrinsically connected politically, socially, or historically except by those who are determined to find either racism or xenophobia in every statement.

Unfortunately, that sort of attitude kills any attempt at thoughtful, logical discussion.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

138. As if they would say the same things about a white guy name John Smith.

"Unfortunately, that sort of attitude kills any attempt at thoughtful, logical discussion."

That sort of wishful thinking, Polly-anna ignornace is the absence of logic and thoughtfulness.

[Regret My New Name]

154. To be fair, they actually do... Remember what was said about Kerry?

A lot about his 'ties' to France and how that made him unamerican. Not to mention what is/was said constantly about the Clintons hating America etc... Now, I wouldn't be surprised if this teachers turns out be a bigot, but I would have to hear more from her before jumping to the conclusion that she is in fact meaning that in a racist manner...

[enlightenment]

159. And your utter lack of historical knowledge

condemns you on its face.

But feel free. Your blinders aren't my problem.

[ComplimentarySwine]

46. How is this racist?

WRONG maybe, but, I don't see how it relates to any specific race...

[TahitiNut]

86. I agree. Peddling political smears and lies in a school should be a firing offense.

In this case, the 'teacher' fails a basic IQ test and has no business pretending to teach children.

[harun]

129. This one gets my vote (n/t)

[mikelgb]

4. Parent-teacher meeting in which parent educates teacher with printed out facts

[Beaverhausen]

10. yes- that should do it

[SmileyRose]

43. Yep. With the child and principal present. IMHO

The child is 7th grade. Old enough to care Obama, so old enough to learn how an adult handles these things. The principal because there needs to an impartial witness that you did not get violent and that you made it clear to the teacher these kinds of verbal attacks on your daughter will not be tolerated.

[LuckyLib]

144. Absolutely with both present. Best lessons ever: my parents back me, the teacher is an idiot,

that level of idiocy will not be tolerated in this school, and something will be done.

End of story. (Happy ending, teacher leaves school and teaching permanently. One can dream . . .)

[calmblueocean]

157. This sounds reasonable to me. I would want to know if he's been spreading his lies to other kids.

Has he been using the classroom as a political soapbox? Has he been sharing his political views with students? If he's been doing that a lot, I'd like to see some more formal disciplinary measure on his record.

[MichiganVote]

5. Also...........get her a bigger button. :)

[indie_voter]

8. Hopefully the principal isn't an idiot too...

Maybe a meeting and show them evidence to the contrary? :

http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/patriot

[yardwork]

54. I think that's the best response. Calmly present the evidence at the meeting,

and say that you are concerned that, incomprehensibly, some of the school's employees have been terribly misinformed. Act all innocent, like you've never heard of this particular smear against Obama before and are more astounded than angered. Help the teacher feel that no reasonable person would ever believe such tripe.

Be very nice during the meeting, but firm.

[TuxedoKat]

105. This is absolutely the best way to handle it!!!

You will make her look like the jerk that she is but you are being the perfect gentleman or lady about it. Bring copies with sources to show how the teacher is incorrect! Rachel Maddow does this all the time with Pat or other rightwing nuts when they make outrageous comments. My dad was a master of this kind of thing too. Kill 'em with kindness. It's better for your blood pressure too but hell on theirs.

Just thought of something else to add to the previous poster's brilliant ideas, "I'm sure too, as a teacher you would not want to spread incorrect and misleading information to students." Be sure to make copies of your sources for both her and the principal!

[yardwork]

106. Exactly! This also has the advantage of setting a precedent

just in case someone in the OP's family ever has a problem in school. Even the best kids sometimes get in trouble.

[TuxedoKat]

120. Yes! I agree with you again!

There is nothing to gain by being angry or confrontational with either the teacher or principal when you can do so much more by being calm, in control, and polite, as it contrasts so sharply with how the teacher treated your daughter. You look like the reasonable rational one and the teacher doesn't. The truth is on your side so let that be your strength.

If you have a chance before the meeting you might check your dd's student handbook to see if it addresses anything like this (I doubt it though). More likely there are rules for the teachers not to discuss politics with students except under certain circumstances. I don't know how you'd get a copy of that though.

[DesertFlower]

11. i think the teacher should be fired.

she may not like obama, but she has no right to say what she said to your child.

[firedupdem]

13. I would speak directly to the fact that it is a lie! You are teaching your

child not to be a liar and you would appreciate if the teacher kept her views to herself.

[RNdaSilva]

40. Repositioned.

[stray cat]

15. Simply state Teachers are not permitted to push political or religious beliefs on students.

[bunkerbuster1]

89. And ask Teach if she enjoys having a job.

[Morrisons Ghost]

143. Good luck

with getting the teacher fired{if indeed this happened}Once a teacher hits tenure they practically have to committ a felony to be fired.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

16. I'd like to talk with the study hall teacher

in the presence of the principal.

I would respectfully and calmly ask the teacher why she said that to my daughter, and then I would tell her how wrong she is.

I would then ask the principal to make sure nothing like this happens to any other student, and that no teacher should ever make any kind of comment regarding any politics.

The most important thing is to be really calm, on top of it all, and very polite. Just like Barack Obama would do it.

Good luck.

[ejpoeta]

34. my bet would be...

that kids won't be allowed to wear political stuff to school. which is WRONG! but that tends to be how things are dealt with. I think the teacher should be asked to explain first of all where she got this false information. and then, i would ask what gives her the right to claim that not saying the pledge is unamerican. i believe what this woman is doing is un american. but i wouldn't say that. LOL! just that in america, we all have the right to freedom. and also we have a right to be treated with respect, and that as a teacher it is his/her responsibility to be factual and not spread lies or suggest such falsehoods. if my kid lies or is disrespectful, they are punished. should the teacher also be punished!!

[Tangerine LaBamba]

60. No, don't start that way

You'll put her on the defensive, which is exactly where you don't want her.

Just tell her that she's wrong, that her story is apocryphal, gleaned from Internet gossip, and that before she decides she can tell your kid anything about anything - she's a teacher, right? - she is duty-bound to know that it is true.

Ask her if she'd teach her students something that wasn't true.

I'm not sure that I'd go so far as to say what she did was "un-American." I'd say it was pretty stupid. Anyone who would tell such a young child a story like that has a lot to learn about what her boundaries are.

Don't second-guess, and don't assume you know what the ultimate solution - kids not being allowed to wear political stuff to school - might be. That's not relevant to your situation.

All that matters is what she said to your child. I would also ask for an apology from the teacher to your child.

[otohara]

128. I Agree - She Needs To Answer For Herself

demand she be there.

[Regret My New Name]

155. Stop being so rational, it's not as fun... FLAMING DOG POOP BAGS ON PORCH!!!!

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

17. defiantly file a formal complaint

this is an absolute lie, and should not be tolerated.

[HughMoran]

18. That person would not be working in my town for long

That the fucking most despicable thing I've ever heard - expose them - they must be fired.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

19. What part of Wisc. did this happen in?

I am in Madison - If it were me, I would notify the local news sources. This shouldn't be happening in our schools.

[mcctatas]

109. Fox Valley area...

Outside of the "People's Republic of Madison" ( ;) ), this kind of thing wouldn't cause most people to bat an eye.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

115. don't be so sure of that... There may be more closet Dems than we are led to believe

and besides, this teacher is in the wrong to force her politics on her students, no matter what they are.

[20score]

20. Let the principle know that this is well outside of education. It's not even remotely true.

If the teacher wants to speak about politics, he or she should at least know something, anything about what's going on. This person is not qualified to teach, and I'd go over the principle's head if there isn't something done. Some discipline and an apology.

[RNdaSilva]

57. That depends whether or not the principal has principles.

[goclark]

91. I would request an immediate meeting with the Principal

"to discuss an issue involving my child."

If the Secretary asks what is it concerning, don't go into detail at all.

Just request the meeting (that way the teacher doesn't have the time to get a lie together.)

Next ... when you get to the Principal's office, come with a notepad that lists the items for discussion.

-- If you have the time to research the website for the School District, site any rules that will cover your issue. Also check the website of the State Education Department for any violations.

Then, as the Principal starts talking, casually jot down any remarks made by the Principal that you may need to discuss with the Superintendent.

Express your displeasure, "not just for your child" but for the RIGHTS of all students to learn in an environment that handles such sensitive issues in an appropriate manner.

Mention how upset your child was and say that it was WRONG and insensitive and you never want any thing like this to happen again.

You will be able to sense how the Principal feels and if you feel comfortable with her/his response, I would not take it any further.

If not, say that you will need to discuss it with your spouse and will expect a swift and appropriate response from him/her within two - 3 days at most.

Make it clear that your child should not be harmed or harassed in any way by this teacher.

Email me if you need to ~

[BlueGirlRedState]

21. The teacher should apologize

She has no business making statements like that to your daughter, she's in a power position and she denigrated your daughter's view, which she has every right to hold and display.

[mcctatas]

22. Thank you all for the great suggestions!

I will start with presenting the facts and expressing my displeasure to the principle and hopefully not have to progress to the flaming bag of dog poop;)

[ncteechur]

23. In NC, that is proseletyzing and it's illegal. I dunno about where you are.

[sharesunited]

24. Is there a lot of electioneering going on in the 7th grade these days?

Maybe it would be a good idea to not bring it to school.

Politics and religion are guaranteed to be divisive.

[mcctatas]

27. Now that's just silliness...

how are children supposed to become critical thinkers if we have them avoid any topics that are controversial or have the possibility of being divisive?

[sharesunited]

44. Don't the kids just become pawns of their parents opinions?

Plenty of time for alienation and enmity when you're grown up.

The future of a cohesive society depends on emphasizing a sense of cohesiveness in childhood.

The pledge of allegiance and school assemblies and pep rallies.

Not Bloods and Crips. Not Sharks and Jets.

[mcctatas]

55. Only if their parents shelter them from opposing views...

13 is not too young to be politically curious and aware...

[Generic Other]

69. They don't need to be Hitler Youth either

The pledge of allegiance is the thing that has no business in the classroom. And maybe that teacher. Both for being ignorant.

[appal_jack]

149. word!

By seventh grade, I was not only paying attention to elections and current events, but had read the Communist Manifesto (because I was curious after having met a Marxist or two) and some of the Federalist Papers (need to get back to them: it turns out I like Jefferson & Madison much better than Marx in the long run). By 9th grade, a couple of friends and I were publishing both an 'official' political school political newspaper, and also an underground paper, which were both all kinds of fun.

Good on your daughter for having an opinion and being willing to express it. Even if/when kids are initially strongly influenced by their parents' opinions (my folks were union Democrats all the way, and of course I learned much from them), the process of engaging in the political debate will sharpen kids own thinking skills and help them to develop informed perspectives over time.



-app

[nini]

31. bullshit.. I was 11 years old when Bobby Kennedy was running

and I wore his button to school even back then.

Are we supposed to HIDE these things? If the school had a policy then fine. But it doesn't sound like that's the issue here.

[lisa58]

32. My daughter wears Obama tee-shirts to school and...

...a bumpersticker on her wheelchair.

[Arugula Latte]

116. We just got an Obama shirt in the mail today.

My son will wear it to middle school tomorrow.

[Wednesdays]

42. Right...only the teacher (authority figure) is allowed to have an opinion

As for the underlings...just keep your mouths shut and your opinions to yourselves. :eyes:

[southernleftylady]

146. I agree. Maybe their teachers wouldnt say anything but they might treat my child diffrently..

I wouldnt put it past the people down here.. shoot my mom said I should take my stickers off my car just in case one of the teachers sees them nt

[Regret My New Name]

156. What? There is no problems with kids doing this or schools/teachers to even discuss politics

Teachers however, shouldn't be pushing their views to the students (whatever their political beliefs are).

It can be done, and it can be done well if the teachers have a brain.

[lisa58]

26. How about the teacher should be dicipline, if not fired...

...for lying to you daughter - and if she did not know it was a lie, she should have.

[nini]

28. demand the teacher be forced to correct her statement in front of the class

Then be suspended for bringing it up in the first place. If she can't bother to be informed she has no business teaching.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

29. I think it is better to keep politics out of school

the teacher should not have said anything to the child about Obama. she should have asked the principle for a ruling on political activity/display inside schools. I have to remain impartial when politics is discussed in my school (I sub)

[crispini]

52. Politics are part of life.

I think having authority figures (teachers) being impartial is appropriate, but if you don't get kids involved with and talking about politics, they're not going to grow up to be voters, IMO.

[Tallison]

101. There's a fine line between authorities presenting and endorsing positions

The former is important to do, but this teacher crossed the line into the latter. If he or she is too obtuse to get the difference or too radical to care, he or she doesn't belong in education.

[Uncle Joe]

33. Ask for a different teacher, that teacher is un-American.

The First Amendment or Constitution trumps the flag and anyone trashing the people's rights as guaranteed by the Constitution is not fit to teach.

No one sworn in to office swears to defend the flag and for good reason, symbols mean different things to different people and some religious people would consider that idolatry.

From the lowliest recruit to the most powerful job in the land, they do swear to defend the Constitution.

Without the Constitution, the flag would be meaningless, without the flag the Constitution still shines as a guarantor for the people's freedom and right to govern them selves and not to be ruled by kings or dictators.

[rufus dog]

35. At a minimum the teacher should write an apology

That goes into his/her record.

[Trekologer]

36. Demand an apology

At the very least the teacher should apologize. If it was me the teacher would be out on the street. Teachers should not be using the classroom as their bully pulpit. If the principal won't force the teacher to apologize, go to the superintendent. If the superintendent won't, go to the school board. If the school board won't go to your local newspaper - they love those sorts of stories. But whatever you do, don't back down.



Edited for spelling.

[EC]

37. Tell him since he's a teacher he should know how to learn and that you

are there to teach him a few facts...Obama does say the pledge, wears a flag pin and is an American deserving of the same respect as everyone else and if it's not given your complaint will be placed in higher hands....

[Winterblues]

38. I thought being American meant you didn't have to make any pledges to anything?

While it is a vile thing to say to a school child it is quite contrary to the entire idea of being American or "UnAmerican" as the case may be. I know the teacher's statement is false but the idea behind it is even more false..

[Tallison]

102. Such great ironies escape the imagination of conservatives

...among the reasons they think simpletons like Palin are up for the job of POTUS.

[ColbertWatcher]

39. Some questions ...

... Why was she wearing the pin?

Does she know why she's wearing the pin?

Were there other students around when the "teacher" called your child out?

Write a letter demanding an explanation from the principal. Do not ask for anything specific; merely demand an explanation.

When it is not sufficient, get some pictures, video and some press, which you will share with DU.

(EDITED TO ADD "sufficient")

[mcctatas]

111. The pin was on her backpack...

She is an amateur political junkie, takes the time on her own to read things on Huffington Post and often reads the editorial page of my NY Times. She started becoming interested in politics in 5th grade, (It might help to know that she is in the gifted and talented program and has been working above grade level in Math and English since the 3rd grade). There were other students there when the "teacher" (although maybe since it is study hall she is just a TA?), many of whom were supportive of my daughter.

After reading the replies, maybe your idea of requesting an explanation in writing is the best way to go. I will let you know what transpires after the principal gets back to me...

[ColbertWatcher]

112. I only asked because ...

... I wanted to know whether she chose to wear it herself or if she does it 'cuz mommie and daddy do it (!)

But, it doesn't look that way.

Sounds like you have a great kid.

Good luck with everything and please post an update when you hear something!

[Gold Metal Flake]

45. Go to Snopes and search

Get the Pledge debunking and memorize. be ready to recite the debunking into the faces of the principal and the teacher. Demand an apology and a assurance that a "teacher" will never again preach political lies in class again.

[renie408]

47. The band director told the band that Sarah Palin was a great woman.

We are big supporters of the band and my son is the band captain. I went down to Thursday's practice and asked the director, in a friendly way and in front of the band, if he would like to discuss Sarah Palin's qualifications for second highest position in our government. He said...ummmm...no. So I said, "Well, if you aren't willing to discuss it with me, I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't discuss it with THEM." and I pointed to the band. He was actually really cool about it and apologized and said I was right.

[Tallison]

103. GOOD for you!!!

It's like not thinking is a prerequisite for supporting that woman. :eyes:

[Jack Rabbit]

48. So you say, so you say

I think the real scandal here is that the Republican candidate for Vice President doesn't know what the Bush Doctrine is.

[Minimus]

49. Tell that teacher that he/she can tutch my butt!!!

Seriously, I would ask for a conference with the teacher and let him/her know that #1 the statement is untrue and #2 he/she should know facts before speaking and appearing uneducated.

[Hekate]

50. How to handle this?--With dignity and facts. Ask how Obama would handle it...

That should always be Plan A -- your daughter has to live in that school. But you knew that. Plan A is to behave as though Bozo isn't an ignorant racist, but simply someone who needs educating.

Plan B you escalate up the ladder, but again, with dignity and facts.

Hekate

[RNdaSilva]

51. I see a couple posts here referring to the teacher as "she."

I saw nothing in the message in re the gender of the teacher. There are many male teachers.

Anyway, not important. Definitely request audience with the principal and/or the superintendent of your local school district. In addition, speak to school board members. Attend a school board meeting and bring up the issue in public...much more powerful. Take a group of other parents with you...you will be heard.

A letter to the editor of your local newspaper would also help...particularly if you live in a small town.

[The Backlash Cometh]

53. Bitch up higher if you even have to explain what was wrong with her statement.

[Obamanaut]

56. Is a school the proper venue for espousing political or religious

beliefs - by faculty (or other employees) OR students? Perhaps pins, t-shirts, bibles, banners, etc. would best be left at home. Let the students spend all the time they need learning how to color in the bubbles on their standardized assessment tests.

[Lex]

58. Irrelevant to the fact the teacher lied to the student.

nt

[Obamanaut]

63. Irrelevant to the fact the the student should not have been

wearing political paraphernalia.

[Starry Messenger]

67. Most schools allow freedom of speech as long as it is not in violation

of the school rules in other areas: no drug references, no vulgarity, profanity or hate speech. Politics usually don't fall under this edict.

MPK

[mcctatas]

68. I absolutely disagree...

IMHO, students have a right to speak about political issues when it is relevant to the subject at hand, and as for wearing "paraphernalia", it is once again within her rights AND the dress code.

[Lex]

76. And furthermore, even if the student wasn't supposed to be wearing the button

that is irrelevant to whether the teach should've LIED about Obama.

[kas125]

87. They DO have the right to wear pins, t-shirts, etc. that espouse

their political opinions. This was all decided when schools were trying to keep students (and teachers) from wearing black armbands for the Vietnam moratorium. There were lawsuits and court decisions. Freedom of speech applies to political speech and it certainly applies in public schools. My kid wears an OUT OF IRAQ shirt to school just about every Friday.

[Lex]

74. So because she was wearing a political button it's ok to LIE to her?

Umm. No.

These are 2 different issues.

[LanternWaste]

130. Doesn't that depend on the local school code...

Doesn't that depend on the local school code?

And if one believes that political paraphernalia should not be worn, does that also apply to for-profit commercial paraphernalia on clothing too (logo's, brands, film titles on t-shirts, baseball team caps etc.).

If not, what is the precise and relevant moral different between the two?

[asdjrocky]

65. NO NO NO!

The let's be polite and not talk about sensitive stuff attitude is killing freedom of expression in this country.

When I was young I was very political, and I learned so much through arguing my point with others. School is the place for this.

[JackBeck]

94. Are you against GLSEN and gay-straight alliances?

Quite political, if you ask me...

[Starry Messenger]

62. I am a teacher. This teacher's reaction is upsetting me.

Not just because I am a Democrat...just because I think sandbagging a child like that in their safe place--school, is heinous. The best response for a teacher to make in this situation is "Thank you for taking an interest in our democracy...this will stand you in good stead." Or silence, always the most tactful choice. I have republican students. I do not belittle them for this. They have their reasons. It is not my place as a teacher to make cracks about student's personal choices in life.

I think the best thing to say to the principle is that you consider your child's teacher's outspoken opinions about her personal choices unprofessional. Keep politics out of it. My .02

MPK

[shadowknows69]

64. Tell him to have his teachers leave their politics at home or you'll sue them

[Obamanaut]

70. And it is only fair that the politics of the parents be left at home. nt

[Lex]

77. Because the parents are at school?

Your post makes zero sense.

[shadowknows69]

78. Thanks Lex I thought it was just me

The students should be encouraged to have independent thought and self expression. A teacher has the right to provide the student with those tools. To try to stifle a particular direction that is going is not in their job description

[Obamanaut]

93. No, the parents are not at school. The POLITICS of the parents

were carried to the school by the child. It was suggested that the teacher leave his/her politics at home, so it is only fair that the POLITICS OF THE PARENTS be left at home with the parents, not brought into the classroom by the child.

I think this makes perfect sense.

[Withywindle]

110. Children are not passive clones of their parents.

When I was in 6th grade it was an election year (1980) and we had mock debates. Students were chosen to represent the candidates and represent their views in debate as best we could. Yes, we had lively arguments about politics and issues in class...that was the POINT.

I was John Anderson. I wore a button. My (Democratic) parents were horrified that I liked "that spoiler" so much.

[LanternWaste]

132. If and only if the function of parent, child and teacher were precisely the same

"so it is only fair that the POLITICS OF THE PARENTS be left..."

If and only if the function of parent, child and teacher were precisely the same. But seeing as how each one has roles and responsibilities unique to themselves, it would seem absurd to apply the same standards to each. I would think that as a film director and a film actor each have responsibilities that are vastly different from the other, the evaluation of each would be on vastly different planes too. :shrug:

[Starry Messenger]

80. um no.

And besides, I doubt this parent sent her kid out with the button saying "you'll wear this today or else!". Sounds like it was the student's choice to wear it. Teachers do not have the right to chill freedom of speech in the classroom. I know, I am one. As long as the speech conforms to the stated rules of the school governing student conduct, this isn't against the rules. Which is different from "fair", whatever that means.

MPK

[dhpgetsit]

125. This is America

School children are more politically aware than you give them credit for.

I know other children who support Obama at least in spirit while their parents are kool-aid chugging Cons.

I'd say teacher opened up a can of worms and should debate that point with other adults in front of the class.

[WritersBlock]

66. How to handle it? Stomp on it, hard and fast. I was your daughter's age when I wore a McGovern

button to school after having attended a rally for him the previous weekend. One of my teachers called me a "commie" in class that day, and every day from then until the rest of the school year. He went out of his way to harass me in other ways as well, such as slapping books down on my desk, etc. I also had a couple of neighborhood bullies from the same class ride past my house on their bikes for months afterward shouting "commie" if I was outside. My life was a living hell.


My mom went to the school several times to complain but they never did anything about the teacher. And he never stopped, the entire time I was at that school. I've never forgotten it, and I've never forgiven him.

Don't let them put your daughter through what I went through. I'm damn near 50 years old and I'm still damned pissed about it. In fact, I'm so fucking mad about it still that my hands are shaking as I type this. Jump on them hard and don't give in.

[Generic Other]

81. And the opposite happened to me in 9th grade

I was on the front page of the local paper at an antiwar rally with a sign that I painted myself that said "RESIST THE DRAFT." My dad was furious with me. I went to school the next day, and my social studies teacher asked me to stand up in front of the class. I had no idea why and wondered what I had done wrong. I was taken by surprise when he told the class I deserved their thanks for standing up for them. And he started clapping. I never forgot this moment either.

Reflecting on your experience, I would like to share the stage with you from that day so long ago, because you earned that applause as much as me. And as you know, we both turned out to be right, huh? We may have been young, but we were not unwise.

[WritersBlock]

84. Oh wow... what a great teacher you had.

And thank you so much for "sharing your stage." You've just made my day. Yep, we WERE right.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

141. What exactly was your father's problem with that? -nt

[yellowdogintexas]

124. people like that should not teach. It is unfortunate that the teacher was not

reprimanded.

Indoctrinating the youth was how Hitler got control, along with continuously keeping the public afraid.

Goering supposedly said something to the effect that if the people are made to be sufficiently afraid, you have them totally in your power.

Certainly the current administration has been making good use of this tactic

[AtomicKitten]

71. I'd start by defining what a teacher does -- informs not misinforms.

And then tell them to keep politics out of the classroom thank you very much. Do not yield.

[Dorian Gray]

72. Where the heck did he (the teacher) get that information?

I swear people are just making stuff up these days.

[slackmaster]

73. I think this is a great opportunity for you daughter to develop some basic debating skills

If you wear something that identifies a political position, you should be minimally prepared to defend that position against challenges.

The teacher's comment was of course inappropriate. Good teachers know to keep their opinions to themselves under most circumstances. Another learning opportunity! I hope the principal demonstrates some wisdom in that regard.

[Eric J in MN]

75. Don't make a big deal out of this.

Ignorant people say ignorant things. The teacher probably believed what he or she said. However, study hall teachers aren't powerful. John McCain is powerful.

Eyes on the prize; donate or volunteer to help Obama instead of spending much time on this.

[Hippo_Tron]

79. Teachers voicing political opinions is appropriate, disrespecting students' opinions is not

If the teacher had said "Well I'm voting for McCain but I think it's great that you are being politically active at your age" I think that would've been a more appropriate comment.

[beac]

82. Send the teacher AND the principal a link to this page:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/patriot

(pledge starts at about 1:35)



AND demand the teacher apologize to your daughter IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE CLASS.

[vanderBeth]

83. Ask for some kind of action.

A teacher wouldn't be let off the hook if s/he went of spewing some nonsense that ends attacking someone's beliefs. If this was about someone wearing a cross (especially if they were telling LIES) or something similar, there is no way they wouldn't do anything about it.

I wouldn't care if the teacher was a McCain or Obama or whatever supporter. The problem is she is using her position as her teacher to tell lies when she has a responsibility. A classroom isn't a forum for one set of beliefs. It is supposed to teach them facts and let them come to their own conclusion. It is supposed to be possible to discuss different beliefs with people who hold different beliefs if that person is reasonable and intelligent, which s/he should be if they are a teacher. S/he instead used their position to tell the student she is wrong, no discussion and using incorrect facts. S/he is using her power to spew what is propaganda.

I won't get into our schools' biases. That is another rant.

[fishwax]

85. Nothing wrong with a teacher talking politics in school

Though it doesn't sound like the teacher's tone was appropriate, nor is spreading misinformation.

[johnfunk]

90. SEND A MESSAGE! Have your 7th grade daughter say hi to the knuckledragging "teacher" tomorrow...

... and tell tell said teacher how her Mom called a contact in the Obama campaign about what teacher said to the student, then got referred to an lawyer for the Obama campaign, who, from what the student heard from mom's side of the conversation, is VERY interested in learning where said teacher heard about Obama not saying the pledge, then heard Mom say something about "deposition," "libel" and "subpoena" the teacher, but doesn't know what those words mean...

That should have the proper effect, don'tcha think??

[Tutankhamun]

92. I'm a teacher too, and I've taught seventh grade myself.

This kind of comment the teacher made is more common than many people might think.

I've had students tell me on many occasions about similar and even more copious bullshit other teachers have told them. I worked with an otherwise very good teacher who, my students informed me, would sometimes teach them lessons straight out of the Bible. I once had a summer school job working next door to a former youth pastor who I overheard telling students that Adam and Eve were the first humans. Both of these incidents happened at public schools. Another student told me about her sixth grade teacher who hated Islam and taught her classes how evil it supposedly is.

The teacher in me wants to defend this woman, simply because I know what a hard job it is, but it's ignorant people like
her who've run this country into the ground.

[Beaverhausen]

95. Remind the teacher Palin didn't know when the Pledge was written

she thought the founding fathers wrote it. LOL!

[bdamomma]

97. a teacher should keep her own bias statement to herself.

[SammyWinstonJack]

99. So should the media, but they don't.

x(

[trthnd4jstc]

100. 2 more Obama Pins Tomorrow. n/t

[rug]

104. Tell them to educate themselves.

"WISCONSIN: Under a law effective September 1, 2001, the state requires schools in grades 1-12 to allow students to voluntarily recite the Pledge of Allegiance or sign the national anthem. The law states that children cannot be forced to participate."

http://www.enotes.com/everyday-law-encyclopedia/school-prayer-pledge-allegiance

[DemoRabbit]

107. Bottom Line - Teachers are supposed to TEACH

Request a meeting with the principle and the teacher.
Have print-outs of material that proves how wrong the teacher was.
Make the point that teachers aren't there to share their political opinions, but to TEACH children FACTS. Express your disappointment that a teacher would be propagating false rumors as if they were true, and that you expect MORE from teachers in "my school district".

Be calm and assertive, and be sure to use statements like "I hope I don't need to take this to the superintendent".

BTW, Obama has never said he refuses to say the Pledge. This whole rumor got started because of a rally where he didn't put his hand up over his heart during the national anthem (not the pledge of allegiance). It is well explained at Snopes, include video of him saying the Pledge and singing the National Anthem in other arenas. Why he didn't put his hand on his heart that one particular day doesn't seem to have any hidden unpatriotic meaning.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp

[yellowdogintexas]

123. you could also point out that you would feel the same way if totally untrue statements

were regarding the opposing candidates which would de politicize it and emphasize that your complaint is because the teacher passed along incorrect information (lies) to the children because of personal opinion.

In a school situation wherein kids are allowed to declare their choices ( and good on your daughter! I remember the blazing student arguments in 7th grade over JFK and his {gasp} Catholicism), there was no rule broken by student wearing the pin. Teacher totally overstepped boundary by the comment. What if this were a class excercise, mock debate, whatever and the teacher then says, fine that was fun but "X" is (take your pick of current rumor of the day). That basically says that the whole project was worthless because all the kids were wrong and the teacher is right ,

I imagine your daughter would have come back with a good argument had she had all the facts at her disposal, or memorized.

(yeah, hard pill to swallow, but we do want to fight the opposition on what they really are)

[vanlassie]

108. No one has said what I think is the MOST important thing....

The teacher should be asked to produce her data.

For God's sakes! She's a teacher. Ask her for her proof.

That should take care of it.

[RagAss]

113. Get her with an apple in the next food fight !... do they still have food fights?

[B Calm]

114. I wonder if the teacher knows that a SOCIALIST wrote the pledge in 1892.

Francis Bellamy

[vanderBeth]

117. Well, a vice-presidential candidate thinks it was written by the founding fathers

So who knows?

[Heather MC]

118. Parent, Teacher, Conference time

Let her explain to you where she got that bullshit from
then let her know that discussing politics with your daughter is not her fucking job
and school that moron on why she is putting her own Job in Jeporady, because McCain said he is kicking the bad teachers out. And you would see to it she is the first to go if McCain wins!

[soleiri]

119. I can't really give advice

But you must be so proud of her.

I'm waiting for this to happen to my 9th grade son. He's starting to get more vocal about his opinions. He came home last week and told me he had a ranting at school. "you know, when you list all the horrible things the Bush administration has done, then breathe."

I took him and my 12 year old son to their first protest tonight.
the car ride home was chant filled to say the least.

[Alter Ego]

121. Did your daughter ask her why she was voting for the creepy CEO and his "niece"?

[libodem]

122. Gee, that kind of stuff infuriates me

It gets me all pissed off all over again, how a lie like that, takes on a life of its own and never dies. It is false and it is deceptive. Damn those liars.

[fascisthunter]

126. This Shit is Happening in Upstate Maine, Carmel

[asteroid2003QQ47]

160. Carmel isn't even halfway upstate! n/t

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

127. I'd confront the teacher in person, very politely...

and give him/her a chance to answer/address your concern. If you don't get a satisfactory response, such as, "I apologize, I was wrong" take it to the principal and give him/her a chance to handle the matter and explain to you exactly what's going to be done about it.

If you need to see the principal, before going in, think specifically about what you want done and would consider to be a satisfactory resolution and share this with him/her.

[ieoeja]

131. If she said this in front of other students ... then make it a class project.

Now that the lie has been spread to the children by the person who is supposed to teach them the truth, the teacher should work with the children on how to discover the truth for themselves. It is not enough that she apologizes to your daughter and refrains from further such actions. She needs to undo the damage she did.

Of course, this will be a very short project as a quick link to Snopes will disprove the lie.

[Evoman]

133. Is this person a good teacher (besides the lie)?

If she/he is, then you should talk calmly to the teacher about this before you approach the prinicipal. I don't think you should be out trying to get people fired and the like. Maybe try to convince her that she is wrong.

I don't know...maybe it's the stories from my teacher friends that has me wary about overly aggressive parents. One of my good friends (who has won teaching awards nonetheless) actually quit teaching because of parents who would never be on her side during disputes with students. Parents would back their offspring no matter how they behaved and no matter how much of a turd they were being at school. The parents would go to the superintendents and principals and undermine her. At one point, she disciplined a kid who was disturbing the class and throwing eraser bits at her (made him to sit in a corner and gave him detention I think). When the parents found out, they made a stink and she was told to apologize to the kid. She quit instead..at 50..and went to do a phd in biochemistry instead lol.

Which may not be the same in your case. The teacher is obviously wrong. But the calls to get her fired over one comment are insane. Talk to her. If need be, get the principal involved. But do not undermine the teacher in front of your child or in front of her class.

[Bluerthanblue]

136. use it as a 'teachable' moment

for the teacher.

I'd call and talk to the principal, and ask that a meeting happen with the teacher, your daughter, and the principal. Your daughter has every right to wear an Obama pin- (backpack or body)- The teacher is paid to teach- and instruct, and not spread bigotry or gossip. The teacher needs to be called on this. Their job SHOULD hang in the balance. This 'Teacher' was spreading hatred, not 'opinion'. And is wrong. Sitting down in a small group with the people involved and talking about this in a mature, responsible way would be the best way to handle it- IMO

Everyone has their own opinions about everything,- Teachers are no exception, but their obligation to not abuse their unique position in a child's life requires them to be extra careful about what they say- and do around their students.

[Mesteryo]

137. I'd say forget it..

Unless the teacher really harassed her about it or cut her down about it. Otherwise if the principal talks to the teacher about this it might backfire and make the teacher be out to get your daughter in trouble from then on.

If he was aggressive or harassing though I'd definitely make an issue of it.

I'm not accusing you of this but I've seen things from a teacher's side before and the worst thing a parent can do is telling their child to argue with a teacher. So whatever you do or say would be best to stay between adults unless he was harassing her of course.

[Lex]

139. ********Well, what happened?***************

Inquiring minds want to know. Did I miss the update?

[vanderBeth]

140. I also would like to know.

[mcctatas]

161. It's all good!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4007252&mesg_id=4007252

[Patiod]

142. Does someone have that picture of Palin

with her hand NOT over her heart?

Personally, I think the whole "pledge" idea is stupid, and frankly, it's antithetical to my own Friends faith (which says that we're to pledge to no one, no king, no country, but God)

But she was probably influenced by that picture of Obama, and so show her the one of Palin.

[gravity]

145. Act calm and assertive

Make it about being able to freely express political views without ridicule than just Obama. You need to show that you are more reasonable than the teacher.

However if the principle is crazy, then you can start a scene

[Naturyl]

147. Show the teacher the video of Obama LEADING the Pledge in the Senate

Get an e-mail addy and send it to this teacher.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/patriot

[eowyn_of_rohan]

150. Great! If she publicizes this issue plus refers people to the link

she might just win some new voters for Obama!

[young_at_heart]

148. What about talking to the PTA leaders at the school or the NEA liaison?

If enough parents call the principal I can guarantee you that the teacher will be reprimanded. As a former teacher, I find this just unbelievable!!

[Xenotime]

151. Tell her to go fuck herself

[proud patriot]

158. first

it's principal of a school .

next arm your daughter with knowledge looks like
you are doing a good job if she likes Obama . It's
your daughter's debate , your's on back to school
night and open house night .

Otherwise , that teacher has as much free speech
as your daughter . IMO

disclaimer I work at a school

[libertad]

162. My daughter's teacher said last week that she "shudders to think

of what would have happened if Gore had won the election in 2000"! Can you believe it! I wanted to contact the school, but my daughter was afraid there might be repurcussions for her in class if I did.

[1Hippiechick]

164. Go thru channels - first the teacher, then the principal, then the school board = policy creation/

change. This takes longer, but the outcome has the potential to be more far-reaching than just your daughter's case, imo.

[LWolf]

163. My input:

"While the statement that Barack Obama is un-American is debatable, a teacher making it to a student in a public school classroom is blatantly unprofessional. Do you condone political proselytizing in this school's classrooms, or do you turn a blind eye? I'd like a public apology, made to every student on campus who has been subjected to such proselytizing, and I think a staff meeting to focus on professional conduct as it relates to political discussion in public school classrooms is appropriate."