ACHS - conservative leaning students - afraid to speak up

[Anonymous]

https://www.acpsk12.org/theogony/2021-2022/2022/05/28/students-shy-away-from-discussions-why-thats-a-problem-and-what-we-could-do-to-fix-it/

Someone asked if this was an issue in APS and there were several comments that of course it wasn't.

This is an article written in the student newspaper regarding the issue for ACHS. Given that Alexandria and Arlington are very much the same in terms of political ideology, I have no doubt the same article could be written at any of the APS high schools.

[Anonymous]

I mean, are conservative views pro-insurrection, or what? I think many have strayed from the country’s major conservative political party because of what it’s become in recent years. My family was once conservative but now more independent and unable to defend or justify many conservative policies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean, are conservative views pro-insurrection, or what? I think many have strayed from the country’s major conservative political party because of what it’s become in recent years. My family was once conservative but now more independent and unable to defend or justify many conservative policies.

+1

Depends what you mean by “conservative”.

Kids probably shouldn’t speak up if they are anti-democracy, anti-woman, or a bigot.

[Anonymous]

A terrible thing that’s happening.

[Anonymous]

Just preparing (indoctrinating) them for the group think and fascism of higher education and media marms.

All view points are welcome, so long as they are this one.

To the oblivious and hostile responses above, consider a student or anyone who expressed whether schools were open or closed for an entire year? The year of loss learning.

Science? Well pediatrics and CDC both said schools should have reopened, and the infection rate is the same, if not greater than it was a year ago. Bet you aren’t sequestered in your bunker still. Probably never were, even though you told and shamed everyone else.

But don’t take my (our) word for it. Just look at your political betters and what they actually did. That they lived their lives as normal, their children also went to school, and were all caught doing it.

[Anonymous]

And this is why I am sending my kids to Catholic school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
https://www.acpsk12.org/theogony/2021-2022/2022/05/28/students-shy-away-from-discussions-why-thats-a-problem-and-what-we-could-do-to-fix-it/

Someone asked if this was an issue in APS and there were several comments that of course it wasn't.

This is an article written in the student newspaper regarding the issue for ACHS. Given that Alexandria and Arlington are very much the same in terms of political ideology, I have no doubt the same article could be written at any of the APS high schools.

Yes, this absolutely happens in Arlington. I don't know if it's the same, or to the same level, at all the high schools (my impression is that more Republicans live in the north parts of Arlington; so maybe there are more conservative-leaning students at Yorktown v. Wakefield, for instance). But I know specific students who don't share their full opinions, or who don't bother to participate in a discussion at all, because they know they are alone in their viewpoint within the class.

It's perfectly understandable that moderate-to-conservative students aren't eager to share their true opinions when the school environment is full of liberal political statements and opinions everywhere you look; and when it seems as though the assumption is that everyone agrees and when someone doesn't, they are judged and labeled "racist" and put on the defensive because everyone else (including the teacher) share the same opposing viewpoint.

Teachers may believe they are objective and neutral; but it's really really hard to completely hide one's bias when it comes to political discussions. APS can preach all it wants about it being an inclusive, diverse community. I believe there are more students than people would guess who aren't full-on farthest-left liberal on every issue. But you won't ever know that because "inclusivity" is insisted upon, and disagreeing = not being inclusive.

[Anonymous]

And how many Rs have been pushing The Big Lie or “election integrity”?

[Anonymous]

Meh. I grew up in a conservative area and was the odd one out. Such if life.

[Anonymous]

Conservative voices aren't being silenced lmao do you even live in this country?

"Being silenced" isn't the same as being told to stfu because conservatives literally carry some of the stupidest ideas every conceived lmao

You soft

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Conservative voices aren't being silenced lmao do you even live in this country?

"Being silenced" isn't the same as being told to stfu because conservatives literally carry some of the stupidest ideas every conceived lmao

You soft

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Conservative voices aren't being silenced lmao do you even live in this country?

"Being silenced" isn't the same as being told to stfu because conservatives literally carry some of the stupidest ideas every conceived lmao

You soft

What does this all have to do with the article and OP's main question?
Take the individual political arguments elsewhere. This should be a discussion about discussions - or lack thereof - in our high school classrooms.
I think it was a good article and I'm glad OP posted it. But I'd like to read a real discussion about the actual article and OP's actual question.
Anyone have anything useful or at least relevant to add to such a conversation??? So far, you're all just demonstrating the crux of the whole problem. Why should teens be expected to have an actual discussion of ideas and viewpoints in a high school government or history class when all they see and hear in the world around them - obviously starting from home, based on this thread - is contention, name-calling, and just plain jackass behavior from all the "adults."

[Anonymous]

Personally I struggle with what to think about abortion, and I would think and hope that is common given the complexities of the issues. Science, faith, psychology, sociology, politics are all intertwined in it. I work in an APS school and would not feel comfortable if my colleagues found out that I even ponder these complexities: the only acceptable opinion is to be 100%, unwaveringly pro-choice. This is somewhat true for other issues as well. I’m not a snowflake—I can stand having people disagree with me. I can’t stand committing social and career suicide. I am working hard to raise thoughtful children who can think for themselves and who can sit with ethical quandaries, because I know that they will not get that lesson from our immediate society.

[Anonymous]

Oh please- what teacher is going to open a discussion in a high school when the conservative governor has a tip line for people to call if there are discussions in school?

Action-consequence.

[Anonymous]

I’m a conservative leaning independent but discuss all different viewpoints with my kids. However, my APS middle schooler has already learned to just keep her mouth shut about anything that might be politically controversial. Like having questions about so many MS girls going by “they” and declaring they are non-binary. I tell my kid to be respectful of everyone & call people what they want to be called. Kid has told me she thinks it’s become the trendy thing to do but would never say that at school. Lots of smiling and nodding.