Minnesota proposes that academic balance requires avoidance of political views
“The measure would require public and charter schools to pass an “academic balance” policy prohibiting school employees from having students “express specified social or political viewpoints” for academic credit or extracurricular participation.”
I was pleased to move to Minnesota because I thought the state had enlightened attitudes on so many issues. The specter of closed-mindedness seems to follow me. It appears that some Republicans in the legislature are concerned debate and discussion of social and political viewpoints are beyond the capability of students. The attitude seems to be – let their parents indoctrinate them.
This proposal suffers from the problem of doublespeak. At one point, advocating that:
“The policy would mandate that students have “access to a broad range of serious opinions pertaining to the subjects of study” and prohibit discrimination based on a student’s personal beliefs.”
I am in full agreement public disagreement over core issues in our society is what much of the present animosity is about. Argumentation – taking positions with justification and examining the positions and justifications of opposing views – is what education is about. It is when positions cannot be discussed and those holding positions do not have to offer support for such positions that injustice and greed flourish. I am a believer that when openly considered truth will prevail. And if personal greed can be held in check, many injustices can also be limited.
““It is absolutely imperative … that we do not let our public education system fall into what is happening to the rest of our society, which is so much anger,” Nelson said.”
This position makes no sense to me. Some issues are important enough I should be angry about them. If my fellow citizens are willing to neglect their fellow citizens when it comes to healthcare, to belittle them because of race, religion or place of origin, or to allow greed to increase the wealth of the rich at the expense of the poor, I have a right to be angry. I would hope injustice would be identified by adolescents who are quite capable of understanding the failings of our democracy.” Maybe the typical idealism of adolescence can encourage us to address this national disaster.
Just what are political views anyway?