School Board Member Dennis Schapiro wrote: > I'd be interested in the specifics of the flyer.
I think that Mr. Schapiro should be able to obtain a copy of the flyer; it does appear to be distributed by one of his schools and the contact person is one of the MPS administrative staff (Andy Vollmuth 612-688-1123). The flyer is of minor importance given that the school's 2002 Report to the Community on the MPS website identifies it as a "world peace site" and Mr. Schapiro readily admits that there are schools that have declared themselves as such. I just happen to believe that it is radically inappropriate and dangerous for public education to blatantly advocate a political agenda. My opinion on this issue hasn't changed since the Sixties when the opposite agenda was promoted by the public schools. Just so that we are clear that this is really a political agenda I'll quote from the website that Mr. Schapiro cited: "Mission : To involve as many people as we can, starting with the children, in activities that promote a Peaceful, Healthy and Non-Violent World." And it's intention to influence public school curriculum is just as clear: "1. Imagine the impact on the students! They will be reminded each day: a) This is My Home. b) I'm a passenger aboard this beautiful spaceship traveling at 18� miles per second in our orbit around the sun. c) We are part of one big wonderful Human Family, regardless of our many differences in culture, religion, race, creed, nationality, gender and sexual orientation. d) We should be loyal American citizens, and also responsible World Citizens. e) We must learn to live together in Peace as brothers and sisters. 2. The teacher is reminded of the same things, and also: a) If possible, attempt to weave in a Peace/Global perspective into every subject at every grade level K-12." There is really little difference in intent between this group and the Alabama Supreme Courts' Chief Justice's endorsement of the Ten Commandments other than one involves a deity and the other does not. > It is possible to advocate for peaceful resolution of > conflicts within an elementary school without suggesting > that the United States disarm unilaterally and declare > military surrender. > > I'll go out on a limb and say I support efforts to help > young people learn how to resolve disputes without violence. > But, of course, if that doesn't work, our legislature, by > legalizing guns in school, would provide an alternative dispute > resolution option. I would not necessarily go out on the same limb. I don't believe that public education should be promoting ethical values beyond those necessary to maintain order in their schools (i.e., manners, courtesy, and respect). Whether conflict resolution falls into this classification is an interesting question. However, it should be clear to everyone that the avocation of "a Peace/Global perspective" does not. In case this isn't clear to everyone yet, just consider this from the perspective of someone who has made the armed forces of our country their career. Why would they want to send their children to a school teaching doctrine that invalidates their contributions. This endorsement is rude, inconsiderate, and thoughtless. And the Minneapolis School Board wonders why their enrollment is declining! That so many people are oblivious to the concept that there is rational counterpoint to "world peace" illustrates the need for the public schools to eschew endorsing political agendas and to focus more on critical thinking skills. It also illustrates that "diversity" is a code word for intellectual conformity and not free expression. Michael Atherton Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
