Banned books at Jackson-Reed?

[Anonymous]

So in response to the Israel/Hamas war, Jackson-Reed decides to respond by....wait for it....DROPPING Maus and Night from the curriculum until further notice.....Let me understand this, the response to anti-Semitism is "best not talk about anything Jewish"? We are living in scary times, folks. Right-wing book-banning parents, meet need-more-context-to-talk-about-the-Holocaust-right-now school administrators. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023...israel-gaza-protest/

[Anonymous]

That link doesn’t work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That link doesn’t work.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/12/19/schools-speech-israel-gaza-protest/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So in response to the Israel/Hamas war, Jackson-Reed decides to respond by....wait for it....DROPPING Maus and Night from the curriculum until further notice.....Let me understand this, the response to anti-Semitism is "best not talk about anything Jewish"? We are living in scary times, folks. Right-wing book-banning parents, meet need-more-context-to-talk-about-the-Holocaust-right-now school administrators. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023...israel-gaza-protest/

Wow. That makes me want to vomit. Seriously?? Imagine “postponing” all the curriculum on Jim Crow and slavery in the wake of George Floyd. Are they saying they think the Jackson-Reed English teachers are so anti-semitic they cannot trust them to teach Maus?

[Anonymous]

From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

[Anonymous]

Postpone until when exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

I'm the earlier poster and I agree it is a fair question.

But the book was definitely not banned - that is a gross mischaracterization of what is going on.

And I don't want to go down this rabbit hole but there is no way to discuss a book about the holocaust and not get into the Israeli/Palestinian fight which after all had as its genesis the holocaust and now the Israelis are the party responsible for a horrific humanitarian crises.

Frankly I'd rather J-R have that discussion in a timely fashion so I don't personally agree that it should have been postponed but given that there is a chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right now I'm betting the teachers of this course breathed a big sign of relief that this discussion can be had in a time when hopefully emotions are tamped down and an honest discussion will be tolerated and that a HS teacher doesn't have to negotiate that minefield.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

I'm the earlier poster and I agree it is a fair question.

But the book was definitely not banned - that is a gross mischaracterization of what is going on.

And I don't want to go down this rabbit hole but there is no way to discuss a book about the holocaust and not get into the Israeli/Palestinian fight which after all had as its genesis the holocaust and now the Israelis are the party responsible for a horrific humanitarian crises.

Frankly I'd rather J-R have that discussion in a timely fashion so I don't personally agree that it should have been postponed but given that there is a chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right now I'm betting the teachers of this course breathed a big sign of relief that this discussion can be had in a time when hopefully emotions are tamped down and an honest discussion will be tolerated and that a HS teacher doesn't have to negotiate that minefield.

Was the book discussion delayed indefinitely because a "chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right "? Or because a chunk of folks aren't comfortable talking about Jews or Israel with empathy? I read that in a few places schools are cancelling the token Hannukah songs from holiday concerts because they are too "uncomfortable". That seems to me like answering anti-Semitism with more anti-Semitism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

I'm the earlier poster and I agree it is a fair question.

But the book was definitely not banned - that is a gross mischaracterization of what is going on.

And I don't want to go down this rabbit hole but there is no way to discuss a book about the holocaust and not get into the Israeli/Palestinian fight which after all had as its genesis the holocaust and now the Israelis are the party responsible for a horrific humanitarian crises.

Frankly I'd rather J-R have that discussion in a timely fashion so I don't personally agree that it should have been postponed but given that there is a chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right now I'm betting the teachers of this course breathed a big sign of relief that this discussion can be had in a time when hopefully emotions are tamped down and an honest discussion will be tolerated and that a HS teacher doesn't have to negotiate that minefield.

Complete bullsh*t. Those books are about the Holocaust NOT Israel. If you’re trying to say that Maus can only be taught if it is “balanced” with “well Israel is commiting genocide,” that indeed is troubling. Are you trying to say that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

I'm the earlier poster and I agree it is a fair question.

But the book was definitely not banned - that is a gross mischaracterization of what is going on.

And I don't want to go down this rabbit hole but there is no way to discuss a book about the holocaust and not get into the Israeli/Palestinian fight which after all had as its genesis the holocaust and now the Israelis are the party responsible for a horrific humanitarian crises.

Frankly I'd rather J-R have that discussion in a timely fashion so I don't personally agree that it should have been postponed but given that there is a chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right now I'm betting the teachers of this course breathed a big sign of relief that this discussion can be had in a time when hopefully emotions are tamped down and an honest discussion will be tolerated and that a HS teacher doesn't have to negotiate that minefield.

Was the book discussion delayed indefinitely because a "chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right "? Or because a chunk of folks aren't comfortable talking about Jews or Israel with empathy? I read that in a few places schools are cancelling the token Hannukah songs from holiday concerts because they are too "uncomfortable". That seems to me like answering anti-Semitism with more anti-Semitism.

I think it’s obviously because the teachers are not prepared to discuss the Holocaust with empathy for Jews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

I'm the earlier poster and I agree it is a fair question.

But the book was definitely not banned - that is a gross mischaracterization of what is going on.

And I don't want to go down this rabbit hole but there is no way to discuss a book about the holocaust and not get into the Israeli/Palestinian fight which after all had as its genesis the holocaust and now the Israelis are the party responsible for a horrific humanitarian crises.

Frankly I'd rather J-R have that discussion in a timely fashion so I don't personally agree that it should have been postponed but given that there is a chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right now I'm betting the teachers of this course breathed a big sign of relief that this discussion can be had in a time when hopefully emotions are tamped down and an honest discussion will be tolerated and that a HS teacher doesn't have to negotiate that minefield.

What minefield? 6 million people were systemically murdered. It is a historical fact. It is an important lesson is how a totalitarian regime supplants a democracy. I just bet you are one of those people who would respectfully ask that I not celebrate Jewish holidays right now (at least openly) because it might offend you.

Moments like this I really wish this wasn't anonymous forum so we could see who you are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From the Jackson-Reed paper:

“ Additionally, the English ll curriculum has been restructured at Jackson-Reed due to sensitivity surrounding the conflict. Students were scheduled to begin their second unit directly after the events of October 7, where they would read “Night,” and “Maus,” two memoirs that depict the events of the Holocaust.

Five teachers met with Assistant Principal Marc Minsker, who oversees the English department, to discuss the delay of reading “Night and Maus.” Minsker said that teachers were struggling with how to teach “because [the conflict is] a sensitive topic right now.”

The department decided to postpone reading the books until tensions decreased. Minsker explained that he “thought it was thoughtful, and it wasn’t one person’s decision, but a discussion [that resulted in this change].”

Thanks for the actual info - so nothing was banned at all just more hyperbole from the Israel can't ever be criticized crowd.

As a J-R parent I'm surprised to learn that they are actually reading books in any English class - my kid is a junior and AFAIK has yet to read any books for any english class.

Yikes, really? You can’t see why this would be upsetting to Jewish parents and kids? The books are about *the Holocaust* not Israel and Palestine. And they still have not been taught. They were not “banned” but it is still confusing what JR thinks they are doing here. In no other context does DCPS say “maybe we should dial back potentially sensitive content.” In fact it’s been quite the opposite - I’m surprised where they go, even as early as 3rd grade.

I'm the earlier poster and I agree it is a fair question.

But the book was definitely not banned - that is a gross mischaracterization of what is going on.

And I don't want to go down this rabbit hole but there is no way to discuss a book about the holocaust and not get into the Israeli/Palestinian fight which after all had as its genesis the holocaust and now the Israelis are the party responsible for a horrific humanitarian crises.

Frankly I'd rather J-R have that discussion in a timely fashion so I don't personally agree that it should have been postponed but given that there is a chunk of folks who can't tolerate criticism of any kind of Israel right now I'm betting the teachers of this course breathed a big sign of relief that this discussion can be had in a time when hopefully emotions are tamped down and an honest discussion will be tolerated and that a HS teacher doesn't have to negotiate that minefield.

Would you also like both sides to be taught? Make sure the Nazi views are represented?

The holocaust wasn't about Israel. They weren't killing Israelis, they were killing all Jews. Do you really not understand the difference?

[Anonymous]

I think this thread shows why the books were postponed.