What is your school's policy on teacher's expressing socio-political beliefs during class?

[Anonymous]

From our HOS, in Sept:

The Election:
I want to give you an insight about how I intend to handle political discourse in general, and during elections specifically.
• While faculty may of course express their beliefs outside school (providing they are not representing the school or are on school business), faculty are not permitted to share their political opinions with students. It is so important that we are open and available to ALL our students, whatever their political beliefs. Once students understand faculty members’ positions, it can change relationships, especially if a teacher’s views are contrary to the beliefs of that student or the student’s family. In previous schools, I have had students describe to me how they felt they could not talk openly because they knew a teacher’s political opinions; they felt intimidated and alarmed that they may subject to discrimination.
• The school must energetically promote its values but will take no stand on politics. Indeed, the IRS code governing 501 c3 organizations prohibits independent schools from engaging in any political activity. Faculty members may facilitate civil conversations with students in appropriate settings, but again, without sharing their own views.
• I expect civility and respectful dialogue from students; we encourage students to discuss the issues. However, we will discourage physical displays of political loyalty on campus. Fortunately, our dress code is helpful in this regard. I am conscious that after the election, some will be elated, and others will be distraught. As much as possible, I will ask that we go about our normal business. I understand that the passions around this election are heightened, and we may need to provide counsel to some students and ask other students to be discreet about their joy at the result. Overt celebration in the school setting is unnecessary and potentially divisive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From our HOS, in Sept:

The Election:
I want to give you an insight about how I intend to handle political discourse in general, and during elections specifically.
• While faculty may of course express their beliefs outside school (providing they are not representing the school or are on school business), faculty are not permitted to share their political opinions with students. It is so important that we are open and available to ALL our students, whatever their political beliefs. Once students understand faculty members’ positions, it can change relationships, especially if a teacher’s views are contrary to the beliefs of that student or the student’s family. In previous schools, I have had students describe to me how they felt they could not talk openly because they knew a teacher’s political opinions; they felt intimidated and alarmed that they may subject to discrimination.
• The school must energetically promote its values but will take no stand on politics. Indeed, the IRS code governing 501 c3 organizations prohibits independent schools from engaging in any political activity. Faculty members may facilitate civil conversations with students in appropriate settings, but again, without sharing their own views.
• I expect civility and respectful dialogue from students; we encourage students to discuss the issues. However, we will discourage physical displays of political loyalty on campus. Fortunately, our dress code is helpful in this regard. I am conscious that after the election, some will be elated, and others will be distraught. As much as possible, I will ask that we go about our normal business. I understand that the passions around this election are heightened, and we may need to provide counsel to some students and ask other students to be discreet about their joy at the result. Overt celebration in the school setting is unnecessary and potentially divisive.

What school? This is exactly what I am looking for. Hope we applied there. We are applying to a bunch of privates for next year.

[Anonymous]

It depends. Does it promote hatred of a group? If so, unacceptable. If it just promotes a social movement, it’s ok. A Nazi flag: unacceptable. A BLM banner: acceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends. Does it promote hatred of a group? If so, unacceptable. If it just promotes a social movement, it’s ok. A Nazi flag: unacceptable. A BLM banner: acceptable.

I'm not sure how BLM is acceptable when they are on the record as being anti-white...their leadership in the US and Canada has made anti-white statements.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends. Does it promote hatred of a group? If so, unacceptable. If it just promotes a social movement, it’s ok. A Nazi flag: unacceptable. A BLM banner: acceptable.

I'm not sure how BLM is acceptable when they are on the record as being anti-white...their leadership in the US and Canada has made anti-white statements.

They’re not anti-white. They’re pro-black. Somebody’s gotta be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends. Does it promote hatred of a group? If so, unacceptable. If it just promotes a social movement, it’s ok. A Nazi flag: unacceptable. A BLM banner: acceptable.

I'm not sure how BLM is acceptable when they are on the record as being anti-white...their leadership in the US and Canada has made anti-white statements.

Have you listened to their founders speak? Even Ben Jealous rolls his eyes at what they say. They are divisive.

[Anonymous]

Like what kind of sign? I saw a black lives matter sign in my kids teacher's virtual classroom.

[Anonymous]

At M*ret we are encouraged to express our beliefs openly, as long as they align 100% with the DNC. Leftists, libertarians and conservatives can go pound sand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our HOS, in Sept:

The Election:
I want to give you an insight about how I intend to handle political discourse in general, and during elections specifically.
• While faculty may of course express their beliefs outside school (providing they are not representing the school or are on school business), faculty are not permitted to share their political opinions with students. It is so important that we are open and available to ALL our students, whatever their political beliefs. Once students understand faculty members’ positions, it can change relationships, especially if a teacher’s views are contrary to the beliefs of that student or the student’s family. In previous schools, I have had students describe to me how they felt they could not talk openly because they knew a teacher’s political opinions; they felt intimidated and alarmed that they may subject to discrimination.
• The school must energetically promote its values but will take no stand on politics. Indeed, the IRS code governing 501 c3 organizations prohibits independent schools from engaging in any political activity. Faculty members may facilitate civil conversations with students in appropriate settings, but again, without sharing their own views.
• I expect civility and respectful dialogue from students; we encourage students to discuss the issues. However, we will discourage physical displays of political loyalty on campus. Fortunately, our dress code is helpful in this regard. I am conscious that after the election, some will be elated, and others will be distraught. As much as possible, I will ask that we go about our normal business. I understand that the passions around this election are heightened, and we may need to provide counsel to some students and ask other students to be discreet about their joy at the result. Overt celebration in the school setting is unnecessary and potentially divisive.

What school? This is exactly what I am looking for. Hope we applied there. We are applying to a bunch of privates for next year.

Bullis

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our HOS, in Sept:

The Election:
I want to give you an insight about how I intend to handle political discourse in general, and during elections specifically.
• While faculty may of course express their beliefs outside school (providing they are not representing the school or are on school business), faculty are not permitted to share their political opinions with students. It is so important that we are open and available to ALL our students, whatever their political beliefs. Once students understand faculty members’ positions, it can change relationships, especially if a teacher’s views are contrary to the beliefs of that student or the student’s family. In previous schools, I have had students describe to me how they felt they could not talk openly because they knew a teacher’s political opinions; they felt intimidated and alarmed that they may subject to discrimination.
• The school must energetically promote its values but will take no stand on politics. Indeed, the IRS code governing 501 c3 organizations prohibits independent schools from engaging in any political activity. Faculty members may facilitate civil conversations with students in appropriate settings, but again, without sharing their own views.
• I expect civility and respectful dialogue from students; we encourage students to discuss the issues. However, we will discourage physical displays of political loyalty on campus. Fortunately, our dress code is helpful in this regard. I am conscious that after the election, some will be elated, and others will be distraught. As much as possible, I will ask that we go about our normal business. I understand that the passions around this election are heightened, and we may need to provide counsel to some students and ask other students to be discreet about their joy at the result. Overt celebration in the school setting is unnecessary and potentially divisive.

What school? This is exactly what I am looking for. Hope we applied there. We are applying to a bunch of privates for next year.

Bullis

Here's what he had to say about the events of Jan 6:

In the midst of the frightening and upsetting events happening at Congress, I want to reach out.

Tomorrow, we will be conducting our remote classes as scheduled. I will address the Upper and Middle Schools first thing in the morning, and Lower School students will talk with teachers in their classes too, if it is necessary. Our goal will be to reaffirm the school's values and to provide a sense of comfort to students who may be distraught. My message will be in support of our democratic institutions and process, and one of anti-violence. Additionally, teachers will have age-appropriate talking points ready to discuss these issues with our students. In general, I would prefer that school is not disrupted throughout the day - that will not help - but if students and teachers feel the need to discuss, we will facilitate that.

In times of turmoil, it is our job as educators and adults to provide consistency, comfort and security for our young people. Obviously, this is principally the role of parents, and we will be supporting you in doing just that. While acknowledging the seriousness of what has happened, I will be asking our faculty to project a sense of calm.


I think pretty much everyone really likes him, and he's really doing great things, which we need as our previous HoS was awful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends. Does it promote hatred of a group? If so, unacceptable. If it just promotes a social movement, it’s ok. A Nazi flag: unacceptable. A BLM banner: acceptable.

I'm not sure how BLM is acceptable when they are on the record as being anti-white...their leadership in the US and Canada has made anti-white statements.

They’re not anti-white. They’re pro-black. Somebody’s gotta be.

^ Amen to this.

Even the federal government under the Trump administration allows Black Lives Matter swag in the workplace:

“BLM is a ‘hot-button’ issue and both politically and culturally salient,” the Office of Special Counsel said. “But BLM terminology is issue-based, not a campaign slogan. Therefore, using BLM terminology, without more, is not political activity... and employees are not prohibited from wearing or displaying [Black Lives Matter Global Network] paraphernalia in the workplace.”

https://www.govexec.com/management/2020/07/federal-employees-may-wear-or-display-black-lives-matter-paraphernalia-work/166956/

[Anonymous]

As a teacher, the last four years have been very difficult. We expect our students to honor the truth and behave like good citizens. Unfortunately, our President has been a disaster of a role model with the incessant lies and belittling of others. Add to this the events at the Capitol last week. We teach our students that words have consequences. It's a hard time to be a teacher.
My students had plenty of questions on Thursday and Friday. I answered them in an age appropriate manner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our school emailed communication guidelines Thursday and said teachers can encourage discussion and correct false information, but they may not share personal political beliefs.

Interesting. Who decides what is "false"? Is there a resource provided?

It’s elementary school—i think false meant wrong information from confused kids. Don’t think it’s a dark hidden agenda.

[Anonymous]

Do you mean like teachers crying in front of young students at school when Trump got elected? It must be allowed because their political beliefs certainly aren't kept hidden.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It depends. Does it promote hatred of a group? If so, unacceptable. If it just promotes a social movement, it’s ok. A Nazi flag: unacceptable. A BLM banner: acceptable.

I'm not sure how BLM is acceptable when they are on the record as being anti-white...their leadership in the US and Canada has made anti-white statements.

They’re not anti-white. They’re pro-black. Somebody’s gotta be.

No they are anti white and anti nuclear family. There is a lot to look into and as a result we are concerned. Politics should be left outside