How “activist” is Sheridan?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads. It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga!

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.

I was going to write the same. I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective. I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation!

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place.

[Anonymous]

How much to parents pay to send their kids to this bastion of SJ?

[Anonymous]

5-8 tuition (all-inclusive of lunch, supplies, sports, music, trips outdoors) is $41,570

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads. It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga!

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.

I was going to write the same. I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective. I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation!

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place.

There are few people more annoying than a parent of a child attending a $40k+ private school in the Capital city of the most prosperous country that has ever existed who complains about historical injustices for which people of other races need to atone. I know it’s trendy to be a victim these days, but at a certain income and education level it gets a bit ridiculous.

Maybe ALL of us who send our children to such schools (regardless of race) should have some gratitude that we are where we are in life and that we can provide for our children like we are, and we should teach our children to have gratitude as well and to be aware of people with less and to always be looking for ways to help them? And maybe it’s not a crazy idea for all of us to teach our children to judge people based on the content of their character, not on the color of their skin?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a recent graduate of Sheridan (within the past 5 years). The school focuses *heavily* on social justice and activism. I attended Sheridan from Kindergarten until Eighth grade, and even in that time, I noticed changes.

In History/Civics courses, we were not allowed to learn about American history. We learned about every other culture under the sun, but never America. I have no issue with a balanced curriculum that includes a heavy dose of traditionally overlooked cultures, but it was odd for America to be omitted. There was no mention of the American Revolution or the Colonies. There was no talk of America’s contributions to World History. The basics of our government were not covered until the end of 8th grade.

The same was true in the Art and Music departments. We never talked about European composers or Painters.

When I started, we were allowed to take either French or Spanish. Around Middle School, that changed. The school began only offering Spanish classes, purportedly in the pursuit of ‘diversity’. I believe this decision was reversed a year or two later. At the time, they spoke of how Spanish was the language of more traditionally underserved cultures around the world.

One year, our Shakespeare unit was struck from the curriculum in favor of one that I seem to recall was called “social justice”. We watched news coverage of recent events and were lectured on the significance.

Those are just a few concrete examples.

I wanted to also mention the less concrete aspect. At Sheridan, there is “one true opinion.” And you’re expected to buy into it, wholeheartedly. Students are taught debatable opinions as gospel. In an environment like that, intellectual exploration is impossible. Sheridan prides itself on encouraging deep critical thinking, but this practice really cuts against all of the flowery language they stick in brochures.

If Sheridan taught you to write like this I want to send my kids there, regardless of their curriculum. 🤣

was thinking the same. This was not written by a high schooler/recent high school grad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads. It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga!

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.

I was going to write the same. I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective. I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation!

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place.

+1,000! It’s all about white folks not wanting to share while hoarding resources.

[Anonymous]

Why do Black families send their children to schools that perpetuate systemic racism?

Why do any families who believe in social justice send their kids to schools that cost $40k?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you don’t know what systemic racism means. And what in the world does social justice have to do with the price of education?

[Anonymous]

Ha ha - are you for real? Do you think Sheridan parents or any private school parents pay 41k for their kids to get a social justice education? Be real- we pay because we think the public school choice is insufficient to either give our kids what they need or give them a leg up in this increasingly competitive world (and maybe for some that is both). If private school ed is better than public than we are reinforcing in the most intractable way the inequality gaps that these schools claim to want to fix. Our kids see right through this … some will care about our hypocrisy and others will do the same for our grandkids. Don’t get me wrong. I would much prefer a value based education for my kids and social justice fits the bill for my family. But … let’s be honest about it rather than patting ourselves on the back for being progressive warriors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That’s Ok guys. At GdS you don’t learn civics or Us history in middle school. Instead you go camping for 3 days and draft a new constitution and ridicule the founding fathers and whole country for being unenlightened for todays times. Don’t bother with history or context of what they were dealing with.

Unfortunately for you, the GDS curriculum is easy to Google:

"Fifth grade social studies concentrates on American History with particular emphasis on freedom and justice. The course covers the events leading up to the American Revolution, as well as civics, slavery, the abolition movement, the Civil War, and the American Civil Rights Movement. Students explore the triumph of the human spirit in moments of adversity and injustice throughout history. Through primary sources, guest speakers, film/videos, weekly magazines, and literature, students examine these issues. Readings, discussions, projects, oral and written reports, simulations, guest speakers, and on-site explorations enable students to become familiar with and experience the historical significance of this region. Teachers and librarians help reinforce library and research skills. Geography is integrated with the lessons in history, literature, and world events. At the conclusion of each unit, evaluations, activities, and projects allow students to demonstrate knowledge and discuss the historical concepts associated with the topic."

thanks for confirming their revisionalist approach to teaching history.

I think the point is that there might not be much discussion and understanding of what the time and place was during the formation of this country and that our founding fathers were not perfect in today’s views but we should treat them with respect since we live with the freedoms their actions afford us.
Also curriculum as it is written on a website isn’t always the way it is taught in real life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha ha - are you for real? Do you think Sheridan parents or any private school parents pay 41k for their kids to get a social justice education? Be real- we pay because we think the public school choice is insufficient to either give our kids what they need or give them a leg up in this increasingly competitive world (and maybe for some that is both). If private school ed is better than public than we are reinforcing in the most intractable way the inequality gaps that these schools claim to want to fix. Our kids see right through this … some will care about our hypocrisy and others will do the same for our grandkids. Don’t get me wrong. I would much prefer a value based education for my kids and social justice fits the bill for my family. But … let’s be honest about it rather than patting ourselves on the back for being progressive warriors.

This post is one big non sequitur. Private vs. public and social justice have basically nothing to do with each other. Besides, where and how is social justice even being taught in the public schools? All I see on the news is angry parents railing against it at PTA and school board meetings by calling anything they don’t like “CRT.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads. It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga!

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.

I was going to write the same. I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective. I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation!

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place.

There are few people more annoying than a parent of a child attending a $40k+ private school in the Capital city of the most prosperous country that has ever existed who complains about historical injustices for which people of other races need to atone. I know it’s trendy to be a victim these days, but at a certain income and education level it gets a bit ridiculous.

Maybe ALL of us who send our children to such schools (regardless of race) should have some gratitude that we are where we are in life and that we can provide for our children like we are, and we should teach our children to have gratitude as well and to be aware of people with less and to always be looking for ways to help them? And maybe it’s not a crazy idea for all of us to teach our children to judge people based on the content of their character, not on the color of their skin?

Thank you. Very well said. 00:15, when you think you see eye rolls at chapels or assemblies, maybe keep in mind that every single person in that room -- including you and your child - is blessed beyond belief, and some of us think that it is important to teach all of our children to realize that.

[Anonymous]

One can see injustice in this country, and feel beyond blessed at the same time. They’re not remotely contradictory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads. It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga!

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.

Training children to be activists in order to achieve specific predetermined goals is not the same thing as teaching children historic facts (some of which may not have been taught in the past) and how to think critically and analytically.

I was going to write the same. I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective. I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation!

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks so much for the feedback and tips, it’s been valuable to me. After thinking it over, I’m less concerned about curriculum (both because I think it’s interesting and valid to focus outside the canon and also because I can fill in any perceived gaps) at Sheridan, gds or elsewhere. The issue about groupthink and intolerance of dissenting (or even slightly different) opinions is what worries me most. Of course this is also the hardest element to ascertain from the outside.

It’s not that I’m concerned that DS will end up a left-wing radical. That would be fine if it’s truly where his heart, research and lived experience leads. It’s more that I worry he would end up with a set of “beliefs” that are not necessarily truly his own. And that if his own opinions differ from the latest progressive ideal, he will not want to deal with the fallout of expressing his real POV. (That’s the experience of the recent college grads I mentioned upthread)

Using myself as an example... I support full reproductive rights but have a “safe, legal and rare” perspective rather than #shoutyourabortion, which is more in vogue. I consider myself a feminist but despise porn and am grateful the tide is turning away from pure sex positivity. The details of what I believe don’t matter. I’m just curious if this kind of nuance is tolerated at so-called social justice schools.

When I went to school in the 80s (public), I truly had no idea what my teachers thought about political issues. My parents were dems but didn’t indoctrinate me on specific issues. My stance on death penalty, reparations, guns, trade…even the ethics of private schools (ha!) all changed as I grew up, met people, traveled, read, etc. My views have stabilized but aren’t in lockstep with any candidate or movement. I feel lucky to have had that freedom snd want the same for DS. Does that mean public school or somewhere like Sidwell/ maret that are more in the “middle”? And, yes, I understand that schools aren’t the only input for kids…but I know I really looked up to my teachers snd believe they are influential. Sorry for the saga!

OP, you are not alone. I've been wondering about the same issues and share some of your concerns. Thank you for your question.

I was going to write the same. I really appreciate lots of the responses here but mostly your perspective. I wish I knew you in real life and could continue the conversation!

As a Black parent, I am completely flummoxed that you white parents are acting like you are so alone and isolated in these feelings. Pretty much all y'all feel this same way and it is clear. You talk about it in quiet whispers and think we don't hear you. We see all the eye rolls when this issue is raised at assemblies, meetings, chapels, etc. You're all clutching your pearls and so concerned. We know this is the topic of conversation when no one black or brown is in the room. We know you are doing everything you can to revert to the old ways, even with the Black Lives Matter sign in your front yard. This is exactly what is meant by the trite saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You think that your progressive views on the death penalty, women's rights, voting blue, support for climate change is enough. You are doing what is comfortable and easy as an upper middle class white American living in a city or suburb. Your support ends where things get uncomfortable. Your support ends where you are confronted with the difficult reality that this society was created, on the backs of others to benefit you and your kind, and you don't want to be forced to face that or have your kids face it because you know that by your own white, western belief system; once you admit and own this ugly truth, the only path forward is reparations and you and your kids potentially having a little bit less of the pie that you did not deserve in the first place.

Training children to be activists in order to achieve specific predetermined goals is not the same thing as teaching children historic facts (some of which may not have been taught in the past) and how to think critically and analytically.