Montgomery County principals criticize school board’s no-opt-out policy in recent documents.
New Concerns Raised by Montgomery County Elementary School Principals
A group of elementary school principals from Montgomery County Public Schools recently expressed their concerns about the appropriateness of new language arts books in a letter to the county’s school board officials. These books feature discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity, which the principals believe may not be suitable for young elementary students.
The letter, sent in November 2022 by the elementary school chapter of the Montgomery County Association of Administrations and Principals, highlights the concerns shared by some parents about the potential ”indoctrination” or “hidden agendas” associated with these books. Despite MCPS stating that there is no option to opt-out, the principals argue that the plot and nature of the books raise significant concerns.
“MCPS has stated publicly that there is no option to opt-out, with the rationale that MCPS is simply providing books about inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and inclusivity. However, due to the concerns shared earlier about the plot and nature of the books, this creates a significant concern by some parents about ’indoctrination’ or ‘hidden agendas,'” the letter to Montgomery County administrators said.
In addition to the concerns about the content, the principals also expressed worry about a classroom guide that they felt was dismissive of religious beliefs and instructed teachers to push back on students who expressed different views. They considered this instruction to be a ”shaming comment to a child.”
The letter further states, “Numerous concerns have been raised by principals, teachers, and community members that the content of the books does not align with the stated messages. There are concerns that the plot of some of the books centers around sexual orientation and gender identity. There are concerns that some of the books are not appropriate for the intended age group, or in one case, not appropriate at all for young students.”
According to the released internal memorandum, some teachers have also expressed discomfort with the content and questioned the appropriateness of the books from both a developmental and sexual education perspective.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has been actively involved in advocating for an “opt-out” provision for the curriculum and classroom discussion guides related to gender, family life, and relationships in elementary English classes. Their Maryland office has been part of interfaith parent groups regularly demonstrating outside the school board building, urging officials to consider this provision.
Montgomery County mother, Bethany Mandel, voiced her concerns about the situation, stating that school officials have put them in an “impossible situation” where they are now at odds with children and parents. She emphasized the need to focus on teaching math and reading rather than engaging in controversial topics.
Mandel also highlighted the fear and bullying that some staff members face when expressing their disagreement with the school board’s opt-out policy. Parents have shared with her that the books being promoted by the school district are not being read for their literary quality or educational value but rather to impose different values that contradict their own.
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For more information on this topic, you can read the full article from The Washington Examiner.
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