School topics

Every year when the school test scores come out there is much concern about the discrepancy between white and non-white students (Asian Americans excluded). While this is a legitimate worry there is another problem lurking in the shadows and that has to do with political correctness. Teachers seem to have lost their first amendment rights. Here is a partial list of topics that must be avoided in the classroom. Politics, religion, abortion, gun control, undocumented immigrants, sexual orientation, mental illness, race relations, welfare, sanctuary cities, poor vs rich, electoral college, liberalism, and conservatism. It is assumed that the teacher cannot discuss these subjects without personal prejudice and that may be correct but what one of the main purposes of formal education is to learn how to discuss controversial subjects. Students often look to teachers as roll models and will they then be hesitant to bring up certain subjects with their family and friends. These issues present serious problems and cannot be solved by hiding them under the rug. The school is only partially to blame as I had a assistant principal tell me he did not want to get a call from a parent complaining about the subjects discussed in class. The school feels it must avoid any subject that might be upsetting to any parent. Good luck with that.