U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has told principals all across the nation that Obama’s speech will include a message challenging students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for learning.
Those words, along with the chance to “opt-out” of the viewing on Tuesday, were printed in a letter the Davis School District sent to parents on Thursday, Sept. 3. The letter comes as a courtesy to parents who do not want their children in school at that time.
“The Department of Education has made abundantly clear on its website and through communications with local schools throughout the nation the purpose of this address is simply to encourage students to work hard and commit to achieving the best education possible,” is what was written in a press release from the Utah Democratic Party on Thursday.
However, just as the conservative Utah Eagle Forum and some parents noted concerns after “I Pledge!” was shown at Eagle Bay Elementary last week, Utah parents are expressing concerns that the address is another attempt at indoctrinating American children with liberal views.
“I neglected to anticipate the potential that aspects of the video clip, which was solely intended to promote the value of service, might be inappropriate for your children,” wrote Eagle Bay Elementary principal Ofelia Wade in an apology letter to students of the area.
Because of the recent attitude from parents and the desire to serve its students, the Davis School District is encouraging parents to decide whether or not their students will be able to view the broadcast.
Parents in other school districts, like Uintah, are asking for the right to sit with their student during the broadcast and walk out if they feel it necessary. Districts around the nation must comply in broadcasting Obama’s speech Tuesday morning.
Duncan did send a letter to principals across the nation, inviting them to show the broadcast, as well as suggesting activities to help promote education and its importance to today’s students. Again, some parents feel those actions have a hidden agenda to indoctrinate students.
“Obama only knows the importance of his own family’s education. If he truly cared about our education, he’d either repeal the NCLB policy or implement those parts that might actually work,” said a Davis County resident, majoring in education at Weber State University, who wished to remain anonymous adding, “Instead of cutting funding for Title I schools when they invariably fall short of compliance.”
Teachers within the Davis School District were able to preview the broadcast on Monday, though it was a school holiday. Many teachers feel that, even though people may not have voted for Obama, students should still show respect for him as the President of the United States. Some parents feel the same way.
“I may not agree with President Obama’s thinking or policies, but he is our President, we should honor the office and I want my children to watch the speech,” said Kaysville resident Becky Sims. She has five children in the Davis School District who will all watch Obama’s speech.
“I will be watching it as well so we can discuss it afterward.”
Teachers may take this opportunity to talk about political differences, what children expect from their own education and even what they felt about the speech.
sroberts@davisclipper.com
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