In Jefferson County, Colorado, a
far-right school board proposed a curriculum change for history classes that would "promote patriotism" by
leaving out historical facts about the Black Panther Party, the Trail of Tears and more:
Materials should promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights. Materials should not encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law.
The proposed changes outraged students and teachers alike, prompting more than a month of protests. The school board isn't backing down and this week the students of Jefferson County planned their own civil disobedience at a school board meeting:
About 10 students either read out of turn about historical figures, known for acts of civil disobedience, at a podium or from their seats. Another dozen students also recited the Pledge of Allegiance before making a mass exit.
The students also brought a list of demands:
As part of their demonstration, the students said they had four demands: a public apology from the school board’s conservative majority for referring to students as “union pawns;” a reversal of an earlier decision to amend content review policies; proof from the board that they listen and act on community input instead of what students called an “ideological” agenda; and more resources for classroom instruction.
See JeffCo students making their stand and being escorted out, one-by-one: