Breaking the Silence

Ethical Educator

Scenario:  Members of the high school’s social studies department ask the principal for permission to open discussions with students in appropriate classes at appropriate times on authoritarianism and democracy and how both political systems are fostered and suppressed. They believe actions of the current federal administration seem intended to move the country toward authoritarianism. To remain silent and avoid this instruction, they believe, is to be complicit in undermining democracy. Given the community’s political diversity, the principal seeks the superintendent's opinion.