Controversy Brings Controversial Response
Edward Calkins '22 Managing Editor
On Wednesday, January 6, a domestic terrorist attack took place in the U.S. State Capitol Building as many Trump supporters disrupted the counting of the electoral college votes. Since the events took place on an “asynchronous Wednesday,” HCPSS was given a healthy amount of time to construct an adequate response. Despite this time, many Howard County families were upset at the county’s response, and surprised that their students would attend classes after such a significant event, yet hear nothing of it.
Wednesday afternoon, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano released a statement including numerous resources to help staff, students and families who needed support. In his memo, Martirano included, “The acts today have illustrated the importance of instruction on civic engagement and the role each of us play in our government.” In reference to HCPSS’ policy 8050 that covers the teaching of controversial issues, the county indicates, “The Board of Education encourages the examination of controversial issues related to Board approved curricula in an impartial and objective manner.” The policy defines “objective” as “[a controversial issue] not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.” Due to the nature and magnitude of the event, HCPSS released special guidelines to teachers on how to handle discussions with students on the event. Middle and high school teachers received a three-page document at 8:00 a.m. the next morning (January 7), only 30 minutes before the school day starts for students. The document specifically states that “teachers and staff should not initiate conversations or lessons on this topic.” The document adds that “It is OK to acknowledge the information” and “one thing we can do is share our feelings with adults in our life that we trust. We can talk about this to our parents, grandparents, teachers, and counselors.”
In regard to when students insist on discussing the topic, the guidelines request that staff “please respond by focusing on [the student’s] feelings and personal coping resources.” Some people have compared the storm on the Capitol Building to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor. History tells us that it takes weeks and even months for people to become “mentally-stable” after these events. However, HCPSS guidelines explicitly reiterate that teachers should not talk about the subject, rather relying on students to mention it. When the topic is brought up, teachers are then advised to instruct them that everyone is feeling emotional and if they want to talk, they can go see a counselor. As outlined in the document, “the Student Services staff member will contact the student’s parent/guardian.” It seems like the HCPSS solution is to eventually circle back to the parents, so they can help the student. However, middle and high school students don’t always have the best relationship with their parents.
Staff in the Social Studies department received department-specific guidelines on January 6, the day of the event. As opposed to the general guidelines of avoidance outlined in the countywide document, the Social Studies department was encouraged “to support addressing the events with students” as this is a “‘teachable moment.’” The first point in the email expects that teachers “reiterate that HCPSS believes it is important for students to participate in civic engagement, [HCPSS] support students’ freedom of expression and the right of Americans to dissent, and violence has no place in American democracy.” Looking back at HCPSS’ definition of objective manner, it states that controversial issues should only be taught using “representing facts.” Not only was the Social Studies department given permission to address the issue in their classroom, but they were encouraged to discuss the issue using a prescribed opinion. Meanwhile, other staff members were given 30 minutes notice on how NOT to bring up the incident.
It was clear that HCPSS’ focus was directed to the well-being of the county and ensuring that anyone who needs help or support gets it, which is understandable. On the other hand, advising staff to avoid having conversations about the incident with students makes it a lot tougher on students. While students currently taking Social Studies — only a portion of the student body, due to the semester schedule — may have had the opportunity to discuss this issue, many students heard nothing from their teachers, meaning they had to shoulder their feelings on their own. With all that is going on, students are experiencing unheard of levels of stress. HCPSS’ mission “ensures academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student in an inclusive and nurturing environment that closes opportunity gaps.” Howard High’s theme for the 2020-21 school year is #TogetherWeRoar. How can we do this when HCPSS limits who can discuss and how discussions of controversial issues are taught?
Wednesday afternoon, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano released a statement including numerous resources to help staff, students and families who needed support. In his memo, Martirano included, “The acts today have illustrated the importance of instruction on civic engagement and the role each of us play in our government.” In reference to HCPSS’ policy 8050 that covers the teaching of controversial issues, the county indicates, “The Board of Education encourages the examination of controversial issues related to Board approved curricula in an impartial and objective manner.” The policy defines “objective” as “[a controversial issue] not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.” Due to the nature and magnitude of the event, HCPSS released special guidelines to teachers on how to handle discussions with students on the event. Middle and high school teachers received a three-page document at 8:00 a.m. the next morning (January 7), only 30 minutes before the school day starts for students. The document specifically states that “teachers and staff should not initiate conversations or lessons on this topic.” The document adds that “It is OK to acknowledge the information” and “one thing we can do is share our feelings with adults in our life that we trust. We can talk about this to our parents, grandparents, teachers, and counselors.”
In regard to when students insist on discussing the topic, the guidelines request that staff “please respond by focusing on [the student’s] feelings and personal coping resources.” Some people have compared the storm on the Capitol Building to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor. History tells us that it takes weeks and even months for people to become “mentally-stable” after these events. However, HCPSS guidelines explicitly reiterate that teachers should not talk about the subject, rather relying on students to mention it. When the topic is brought up, teachers are then advised to instruct them that everyone is feeling emotional and if they want to talk, they can go see a counselor. As outlined in the document, “the Student Services staff member will contact the student’s parent/guardian.” It seems like the HCPSS solution is to eventually circle back to the parents, so they can help the student. However, middle and high school students don’t always have the best relationship with their parents.
Staff in the Social Studies department received department-specific guidelines on January 6, the day of the event. As opposed to the general guidelines of avoidance outlined in the countywide document, the Social Studies department was encouraged “to support addressing the events with students” as this is a “‘teachable moment.’” The first point in the email expects that teachers “reiterate that HCPSS believes it is important for students to participate in civic engagement, [HCPSS] support students’ freedom of expression and the right of Americans to dissent, and violence has no place in American democracy.” Looking back at HCPSS’ definition of objective manner, it states that controversial issues should only be taught using “representing facts.” Not only was the Social Studies department given permission to address the issue in their classroom, but they were encouraged to discuss the issue using a prescribed opinion. Meanwhile, other staff members were given 30 minutes notice on how NOT to bring up the incident.
It was clear that HCPSS’ focus was directed to the well-being of the county and ensuring that anyone who needs help or support gets it, which is understandable. On the other hand, advising staff to avoid having conversations about the incident with students makes it a lot tougher on students. While students currently taking Social Studies — only a portion of the student body, due to the semester schedule — may have had the opportunity to discuss this issue, many students heard nothing from their teachers, meaning they had to shoulder their feelings on their own. With all that is going on, students are experiencing unheard of levels of stress. HCPSS’ mission “ensures academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student in an inclusive and nurturing environment that closes opportunity gaps.” Howard High’s theme for the 2020-21 school year is #TogetherWeRoar. How can we do this when HCPSS limits who can discuss and how discussions of controversial issues are taught?