A Chasm Between History and Politics

Ethical Educator

Scenario:

After the state passes a “divisive concepts” law, a parent files a complaint about a teacher’s lesson in a high school social studies class that deals with the Tulsa Massacre. The parent argues the teacher painted the white people of Tulsa as hateful and racist and made students feel guilty about their whiteness. After reviewing the lesson, the superintendent determines it was highly effective for raising important historical issues, but she realizes it could well violate the state law. What stance should the superintendent take?