Northam’s “Anti-Asian, Anti-Immigrant” School Initiative

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Asra Nomani is a nominally Muslim woman born in Mumbai who voted for Donald Trump, argued in favor of his ban on immigration from select Muslim-majority countries, and supports racial profiling against Muslims. Her views on Islam are fairly well-understood as "Islam should change fundamentally from what it has been for millenia" - why she feels the need to continue to self-identify with a religion she disagrees with on such a visceral level is a mystery to most who follow her career.

She currently has a senior at TJ and has been, very vocally and very recently, thunderously in support of the very narrow definition of merit that has been peddled by those seeking to maintain the status quo with respect to TJ admissions, and those seeking to break down the recent improvements in elite college admissions. It is no accident that she has taken up this mantle as her son begins the college application process.

She carries over 50,000 followers on Twitter due to her past as a professor at Georgetown and as a Wall Street Journal contributor. Both associations ended poorly. Her Twitter feed reads very much like Trump's - vicious, insecure, self-serving, jingoistic, and full of retweets of literally any account (human or bot) that appears to agree with her. Seemingly her favorite tactic is to intentionally misinterpret the arguments and intentions of anyone who disagrees with her and to lampoon them publicly.

Key example - she is claiming right now that the TJ PTSA is banned from these conversations. It is only Asra who is banned, but her intent is to inflame public opinion against meaningful change by claiming that Secy. Qarni is banning the entire TJ PTSA from the sessions. It's a clever tactic, and one that might be successful with an increasingly myopic community, but it's severely disingenuous and a perfect example of how she operates.

Neither her views on Islam (I mean, what exactly are your credentials to assess them) nor her political affiliation should be a factor in the decision to allow or to ban her from these proceedings. Half the country voted for Trump - will you ban them too? What is this discrimination based on political views?

Did I say anything about the merits of her being banned? Crucially, I did not. The purpose of the biographical information is to provide context for her perspective. I am in favor of her being banned because of her inflammatory and derogatory rhetoric on various social media platforms which insinuates that Black and Hispanic students are inherently less qualified than Asian students - which I view as a moral rather than a political issue - but in this particular post I did not reference the merits of her being banned.

I would similarly argue that anyone who believes that slavery was a good thing should probably not have a voice in conversations about Confederate monuments.

Interesting. So you propose everyone who voted for Trump be banned from these proceedings? Or all Muslims? Or all Islam-critical Muslims? Let's see a full list of your enlightened criteria on who should be allowed to participate in this debate.

The list is:

Everyone who thinks that Black and Hispanic students are inherently less intelligent than white and Asian students shouldn't have a voice in this conversation. Period. If that happens to coincide with people who voted for Trump, so be it. I would hope that it isn't.

I see. Then why did you bring up her relationship with Islam? Why did you mention she was born in Mumbai? Did you imply that anyone born in Mumbai cannot opine on the state of TJ, or is somehow less than someone born in the US? Why did you bring up her voting record? Why not lead with what you REALLY consider objectionable?

Her hypocrisy, opportunism, and overt AND covert racism are what are objectionable.

How about your racism towards Asians?

Citation needed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Who cares what you think? Her status as a muslim or your acceptance thereof is of no consequence here. She's as much a citizen of the state as you are AND is a member of the TJ PTA AND a VA taxpayer. Atif Qarni as a servant of the people has no right to block her from attending that meeting. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Did I say anything about the merits of her being banned? Crucially, I did not. The purpose of the biographical information is to provide context for her perspective. I am in favor of her being banned because of her inflammatory and derogatory rhetoric on various social media platforms which insinuates that Black and Hispanic students are inherently less qualified than Asian students - which I view as a moral rather than a political issue - but in this particular post I did not reference the merits of her being banned.

I would similarly argue that anyone who believes that slavery was a good thing should probably not have a voice in conversations about Confederate monuments.

Interesting. So you propose everyone who voted for Trump be banned from these proceedings? Or all Muslims? Or all Islam-critical Muslims? Let's see a full list of your enlightened criteria on who should be allowed to participate in this debate.

The list is:

Everyone who thinks that Black and Hispanic students are inherently less intelligent than white and Asian students shouldn't have a voice in this conversation. Period. If that happens to coincide with people who voted for Trump, so be it. I would hope that it isn't.

I see. Then why did you bring up her relationship with Islam? Why did you mention she was born in Mumbai? Did you imply that anyone born in Mumbai cannot opine on the state of TJ, or is somehow less than someone born in the US? Why did you bring up her voting record? Why not lead with what you REALLY consider objectionable?

Her hypocrisy, opportunism, and overt AND covert racism are what are objectionable.

Citation please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Who cares what you think? Her status as a muslim or your acceptance thereof is of no consequence here. She's as much a citizen of the state as you are AND is a member of the TJ PTA AND a VA taxpayer. Atif Qarni as a servant of the people has no right to block her from attending that meeting. Period.

DP. I'm going to hit the reset button and ask that you accurately describe exactly what Asra is being "prevented" from doing? It's not like she hasn't been broadcasting her views on TJ for a long time. If the Secretary is having a meeting to solicit some fresh views, there's no reason to think she should be an invited speaker.

If it's a question about attending a meeting subject to open meeting laws, I don't know how she could be banned from attending unless she was affirmatively disruptive, in which case she could be removed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Does she need to represent you? When did she purport to represent Muslims, let alone Sunni Muslims? Do you think people who are anti-Islam should be prevented from the discussion on the future of TJ?

It's interesting that you felt compelled to mention your sect, as if it affords you any legitimacy in "representing" Muslims. What about Shia Muslims? Are you anti-Shia?

But it's great that you spoke up. Because you just offered another, very simple explanation:

Atif Qarni, most likely a Muslim man, has a visceral hatred of Asra Nomani, a Muslim woman who challenged the ruling place of Muslim men in their religion. He would much rather she cover up and disappear, I'm sure.

[Anonymous]

It is a meeting designed to listen to Governor Schools PTSA viewpoints. She is on the board of one of the two big Governors Schools under discussion. Furthermore he is not allowing any TJ PTSA representation now.

Clearly, he is not interested in hearing opposing viewpoints. The student panel was a farce. A panel of students who all had the same view as he did. No idea how they were selected.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Who cares what you think? Her status as a muslim or your acceptance thereof is of no consequence here. She's as much a citizen of the state as you are AND is a member of the TJ PTA AND a VA taxpayer. Atif Qarni as a servant of the people has no right to block her from attending that meeting. Period.

DP. I'm going to hit the reset button and ask that you accurately describe exactly what Asra is being "prevented" from doing? It's not like she hasn't been broadcasting her views on TJ for a long time. If the Secretary is having a meeting to solicit some fresh views, there's no reason to think she should be an invited speaker.

If it's a question about attending a meeting subject to open meeting laws, I don't know how she could be banned from attending unless she was affirmatively disruptive, in which case she could be removed.

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/09/10/pta-clashes-with-education-secretary-on_ap.html

Parents at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are fighting efforts from Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni, who organized a task force to evaluate diversity issues at TJ and 18 other magnet schools in Virginia designated as “Governor's Schools.”

The PTA says Qarni falsely accused one of its members, Asra Nomani, of being part of an anti-Muslim hate group after she published a column criticizing efforts to overhaul the process. Qarni has barred the school's PTA from a participatory role in an upcoming “listening session” on the admissions issue.

...TJ's PTA surveyed its members, and they overwhelmingly support keeping the current admissions system. The PTA says the diversity problem should be fixed by better preparing and supporting Black and Hispanic students in grade school.

The bolded is the only reasonable solution to the problem. But it's not flashy and not quick enough for Mr. Qarni - who apparently is allergic to outspoken Muslim women.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Does she need to represent you? When did she purport to represent Muslims, let alone Sunni Muslims? Do you think people who are anti-Islam should be prevented from the discussion on the future of TJ?

It's interesting that you felt compelled to mention your sect, as if it affords you any legitimacy in "representing" Muslims. What about Shia Muslims? Are you anti-Shia?

But it's great that you spoke up. Because you just offered another, very simple explanation:

Atif Qarni, most likely a Muslim man, has a visceral hatred of Asra Nomani, a Muslim woman who challenged the ruling place of Muslim men in their religion. He would much rather she cover up and disappear, I'm sure.

Some background...
Atif Qarni is a former Marine Sergeant who served in Iraq in 2003. He was also a VA middle school teacher and was selected as Dale City teacher of the year in 2016. He served in the McAuliffe administration in 2013.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Does she need to represent you? When did she purport to represent Muslims, let alone Sunni Muslims? Do you think people who are anti-Islam should be prevented from the discussion on the future of TJ?

It's interesting that you felt compelled to mention your sect, as if it affords you any legitimacy in "representing" Muslims. What about Shia Muslims? Are you anti-Shia?

But it's great that you spoke up. Because you just offered another, very simple explanation:

Atif Qarni, most likely a Muslim man, has a visceral hatred of Asra Nomani, a Muslim woman who challenged the ruling place of Muslim men in their religion. He would much rather she cover up and disappear, I'm sure.

ok Asra

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Who cares what you think? Her status as a muslim or your acceptance thereof is of no consequence here. She's as much a citizen of the state as you are AND is a member of the TJ PTA AND a VA taxpayer. Atif Qarni as a servant of the people has no right to block her from attending that meeting. Period.

DP. I'm going to hit the reset button and ask that you accurately describe exactly what Asra is being "prevented" from doing? It's not like she hasn't been broadcasting her views on TJ for a long time. If the Secretary is having a meeting to solicit some fresh views, there's no reason to think she should be an invited speaker.

If it's a question about attending a meeting subject to open meeting laws, I don't know how she could be banned from attending unless she was affirmatively disruptive, in which case she could be removed.

Please read through this..
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/09/10/pta-...education-secretary-on_ap.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Does she need to represent you? When did she purport to represent Muslims, let alone Sunni Muslims? Do you think people who are anti-Islam should be prevented from the discussion on the future of TJ?

It's interesting that you felt compelled to mention your sect, as if it affords you any legitimacy in "representing" Muslims. What about Shia Muslims? Are you anti-Shia?

But it's great that you spoke up. Because you just offered another, very simple explanation:

Atif Qarni, most likely a Muslim man, has a visceral hatred of Asra Nomani, a Muslim woman who challenged the ruling place of Muslim men in their religion. He would much rather she cover up and disappear, I'm sure.

Some background...
Atif Qarni is a former Marine Sergeant who served in Iraq in 2003. He was also a VA middle school teacher and was selected as Dale City teacher of the year in 2016. He served in the McAuliffe administration in 2013.

And your point is??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Does she need to represent you? When did she purport to represent Muslims, let alone Sunni Muslims? Do you think people who are anti-Islam should be prevented from the discussion on the future of TJ?

It's interesting that you felt compelled to mention your sect, as if it affords you any legitimacy in "representing" Muslims. What about Shia Muslims? Are you anti-Shia?

But it's great that you spoke up. Because you just offered another, very simple explanation:

Atif Qarni, most likely a Muslim man, has a visceral hatred of Asra Nomani, a Muslim woman who challenged the ruling place of Muslim men in their religion. He would much rather she cover up and disappear, I'm sure.

Some background...
Atif Qarni is a former Marine Sergeant who served in Iraq in 2003. He was also a VA middle school teacher and was selected as Dale City teacher of the year in 2016. He served in the McAuliffe administration in 2013.

So what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Who cares what you think? Her status as a muslim or your acceptance thereof is of no consequence here. She's as much a citizen of the state as you are AND is a member of the TJ PTA AND a VA taxpayer. Atif Qarni as a servant of the people has no right to block her from attending that meeting. Period.

DP. I'm going to hit the reset button and ask that you accurately describe exactly what Asra is being "prevented" from doing? It's not like she hasn't been broadcasting her views on TJ for a long time. If the Secretary is having a meeting to solicit some fresh views, there's no reason to think she should be an invited speaker.

If it's a question about attending a meeting subject to open meeting laws, I don't know how she could be banned from attending unless she was affirmatively disruptive, in which case she could be removed.

Please read through this..
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/09/10/pta-...education-secretary-on_ap.html

"Qarni has barred the school's PTA from a participatory role in an upcoming “listening session” on the admissions issue."

"Qarni says he's bent over backward to hear from the TJ community, scheduling three different listening sessions for students, parents and alumni, and including TJ's principal and a TJ student on his task force. But he said including Nomani in the listening session would be divisive."

Nothing suggests this session is being convened to hear yet again from magnet school PTSA representatives whose outspoken views are already well known.

It's not like she doesn't have multiple platforms to continue to express her opposition to any meaningful reforms to TJ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does this have to do with her religion and her national origin?

I'm a Sunni Muslim, and her religion is relevant for me because she's used it as a cudgel in her previous anti-Islam writings. She is a bad faith actor and does not represent us.

Who cares what you think? Her status as a muslim or your acceptance thereof is of no consequence here. She's as much a citizen of the state as you are AND is a member of the TJ PTA AND a VA taxpayer. Atif Qarni as a servant of the people has no right to block her from attending that meeting. Period.

DP. I'm going to hit the reset button and ask that you accurately describe exactly what Asra is being "prevented" from doing? It's not like she hasn't been broadcasting her views on TJ for a long time. If the Secretary is having a meeting to solicit some fresh views, there's no reason to think she should be an invited speaker.

If it's a question about attending a meeting subject to open meeting laws, I don't know how she could be banned from attending unless she was affirmatively disruptive, in which case she could be removed.

Please read through this..
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2020/09/10/pta-...education-secretary-on_ap.html

"Qarni has barred the school's PTA from a participatory role in an upcoming “listening session” on the admissions issue."

"Qarni says he's bent over backward to hear from the TJ community, scheduling three different listening sessions for students, parents and alumni, and including TJ's principal and a TJ student on his task force. But he said including Nomani in the listening session would be divisive."

Nothing suggests this session is being convened to hear yet again from magnet school PTSA representatives whose outspoken views are already well known.

It's not like she doesn't have multiple platforms to continue to express her opposition to any meaningful reforms to TJ.

So this:

The PTA says the diversity problem should be fixed by better preparing and supporting Black and Hispanic students in grade school.

is not a meaningful reform??