by Guy Page
Barre town resident and BLM critic Sue Paxman recently asked Barre school superintendent Chris Hennessey about BLM curriculum, teacher instruction, and materials in the school district. The exchange, emailed to Vermont Daily Chronicle by Paxman, appears below verbatim and without comment.
#1) Where can the public/community/parents see what has been sent down to the elementary, middle and high school teachers to develop lesson plans for the new school year that starts in 26 days regarding race and any racial issues, Black Lives Matter, gender, gender identity, LGBT, sexuality, equity and law enforcement issues? I don’t know what the proper word for it is – curriculum, syllabi, lesson plans, whatever – the word is not important – the public/community/parents and taxpayers want to know what is going to be taught in elementary, middle and high school regarding these issues race, racial issues, Black Lives Matter, gender, gender identity, LGBT, sexuality, equity and law enforcement issues.
His response: We do not have lesson plans to share, and, as I said in an earlier message, the syllabi for 2021-22 will be available on our school websites early in the school year. Regarding the curriculum, Policy D32 clearly speaks to the approach teachers are free to take in developing their lessons.
#2) Have teachers received or will they be receiving instruction on how to teach regarding race and any racial issues, Black Lives Matter, gender, gender identity, LGBT, sexuality, equity, and law enforcement issues? And what has or will that instruction look like?
His response: Our teachers have received trainings and coursework from institutions all over the world on a wide variety of topics, some of which address issues of equity and other similar topics. Most such trainings and courses are legal requirements of their employment and/or conditions for graduation.
#3) Will the children be asked for (his/her) preferred pronouns, either verbally or on any type of paperwork?
His response: No, though they are certainly free to share their preferred pronouns as they wish.
#4) Are there currently signs, symbols, slogans, or posters displayed in individual classrooms or hallways or public places regarding race and any racial issues, Black Lives Matter, gender, gender identity, LGBT, sexuality, equity, law enforcement issues?
His response: In some of the cases you mention, yes, and all that are allowed to be displayed are protected by the First Amendment.