Too many liberal and moderate parents, caregivers, and community members are not paying enough attention to how young people are being educated in their public schools. You might think you are, but it’s not enough.
The religious zealots who intend to gain power in January are far more organized than us, more monied than us, and more determined than us. They are paying attention, and they are already attempting to dismantle the American public school system as we know it, as you might know. Example: the state of Florida in general. Example: Oklahoma requires that the Bible be taught in public schools.
Here’s what needs to be done to fight the ultra-conservatives:
- Examine the history textbooks used in your district to see how hot topics are being presented. If you don’t like what is in there, the next time the history curriculum is being rewritten (this is usually every 4 years), vote against that text and the curriculum that supports it. If you live in Texas, you might be shocked to learn about how slavery is being discussed in many of your state’s districts.
- Go online and examine your English curriculum. See if the teaching of diversity in literature and discussion of diversity in general has been slashed. This is one very insidious way that the zealots are infiltrating the schools. Again, vote against that curriculum.
- Check with one of your school libraries to see if books are being challenged or banned. Email the board to express your opposition to bans.
- Vote when there are openings on your board of education. Every single vote makes a huge impact.
- Inform teachers and administrators that you are liberal and that you care. Too many times administrators are forced (due to threats of litigation) to side with the loud, violent minority instead of the typical parents or community members.
The only tool left to save (and improve) our schools is to sacrifice more of our valuable time to pay attention and to vote accordingly.
