Chaska High School students are being encouraged to participate in an April 24 "Day of Silence" – a day when students across the country are encouraged to be quiet as a show of support for the homosexual agenda.
Pioneer Ridge Freshman Center has changed the name to a "Day of Reflection."
Here in Chaska the day is being promoted as a "day for diversity," despite the history and origins of the "Day" described on www.dayofsilence.org as one devoted to preventing bullying of gays and lesbians.Of course, parents expect and demand that schools to put a stop to bullying for ALL students.
So that is why this day causes parents to question whether day is actually designed to promote homosexuality, and to ask why this group of people is being singled out. And, the name change at Pioneer Ridge is curious, and begs the question: "Was it changed to avoid the controversy that has surrounded the day in the past?"
Mainly, District 112 parents are simply upset that the school district did not properly inform parents and guardians that the day was scheduled or about the origins of the "Day." Others object to the fact that precious time is taken away from learning. While others point to other rights to speech, especially prayer, that have been quelled in the schools. Still others wonder whether if students know they have the option to opt out of the day.
Parents in other communities across the country have expressed similar concerns.
Just this month oral arguments have been presented in the case of an Illinois high school student who was told he could not display a message that countered the pro-homosexual "Day of Silence" observation During "Day of Silence." Andrew Nuxoll wore a shirt featuring the slogan, "Be Happy, Not Gay." But school officials not only told him he could not wear the shirt, but said he could not express any message that would provide another view about homosexual behavior.
Now the issue has moved to court, and Nate Kellum, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund -- which
is handling the case – said, "We feel very good that the judges understood our concern; and to that end, that Christians have the same rights as everyone else," says Kellum. "And Christians are not required to check [in] their constitutional rights once they step on the schoolhouse grounds."
According to Kellum, the First Amendment protects opposing viewpoints -- and if students are allowed express viewpoints in favor of homosexuality, then those with opposing views should have the same freedom, adds the attorney.
The "Day of Silence" will be observed at many public schools this year on April 25. According to Kellum, the judge has pledged to issue a ruling in the case before then.
Back in Chaska, some parents -- at least those who know about the day – through their children – remain concerned.
The following memo was sent to school staff:
Staff,
From April 21st-25th CHS will celebrate its 2nd annual PRIDE Week (People
Respecting Individual Diversity Everywhere). This year's theme is "See the
World, See Me." The goal of this week at CHS is to both celebrate the different
cultural/religious/economic/etc. perspectives that each person brings to our
school each day, to bring awareness to breadth of the definition of the word
"diversity", and to give students a voice to stand up in the face of
discrimination of all types. There are several events taking place that I wanted
you to be aware of, and opportunities for you to participate if you are
interested.
Thank you for helping make this a successful week,
The CHS Diversity Council
Monday, April 21st
- Day of Silence T-shirts will be on sale in the Hawk Shop all week.
- There will be a special Wacipi (pow-wow) performed by the Shakopee Sioux
community on Monday after school. This should be an outstanding event. Student
attendance will introduce the idea of PRIDE week on a very local level.
Participation will be educational and much appreciated. Anything you can do as
an instructor to encourage attendance is appreciated as well.
Tuesday, April 22nd
- Mixed Blood Theatres presents "Black Eagle." Sign-up sheets are located in
the mailroom and Purple House office. Please register your classes by Friday,
April 18.
Wednesday, April 23rd
- Instead of daily questions to discuss with all classes as we experimented
with last year, this year we were hoping to have teachers participate in a
diversity-related discussion with their individual classes during Options
periods only. I will provide you with different questions to use for each block
designed to stimulate a ~30 minute discussion. Thank you in advance if you
choose to participate. - Students and teachers interested in participating in the Day of Silence
should go to the Blue House Forum immediately after school on this day for
instructions. - Those students interested in staying longer can participate in a
movie-showing and discussion on this afternoon as well.
Thursday, April 24th
- The 3rd Annual Day of Silence will take place. Students and teachers who
participate will take a vow of silence from 8:10 to 3:00 as a way to stand up
for those who have been silenced by discrimination of all types. This is
incredibly difficult for many to do, and I really appreciate all the support
teachers give on this day (either through participation or by making
accommodations for students not speaking in class that day.) - Participants will come to the cafeteria starting at 7:30 to
sign-up, eat breakfast and go through the morning ceremony. - At the beginning of 1st block, a 7-minute long video will be shown to help
explain the Day of Silence to the student body. - After school, participants are encouraged to stop by the choir room (or
outside, weather permitting) for pizza, discussion and reflection. - Human Rights Commission Discussion
- Held starting at 6:00 pm at the Chaska Community Center
Community Room (1661 Park Ridge Drive) - Includes a complimentary pizza dinner, welcome from Mayor Van Eyll and
Police Chief Scott Knight - Will focus on dialogue circles and a large group discussion concerning
issues that address economic diversity and poverty in our community
4 comments:
Below is some of the back and forth emails:
Mr. Jennings,
I, as a parent of a student, am concerned with first the political statement being made and second with the ability of a teacher to effectively teach and keep order in a class room while staying silent for an entire school day. I have struggled with this all weekend and have spoken to other parents that feel the same way.
I don't belive that this has anything to do with diversity. To me it's more of protest that should not be promoted by the teachers or administration of any school. If a school can not promote prayer or even the saying of the pledge of allegiance, which I find appalling, how is this different?
Eric Watkins
Carver, MN
Chaska High School
Pioneer Ridge Freshman Center
Mr. Watkins,
First of all, just for clarification, it is true that public schools do not “promote prayer” in school, but all public schools in our district do promote the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
As for the proposed day of silence at the high schools this week, it is part of a weeklong series of activities developed by a group of the students and staff. The events of the week are designed to increase awareness and appreciation for diversity in our culture and in our community. The goal is to help encourage discussion that leads to such diversity being a unifying rather than a divisive force. Unless I am mistaken, participation is optional for both students and staff. People who wish to participate sign up to do so and no one is required to sign up.
The teaching and learning still goes on in classrooms throughout the day as it would on any other day.
As for whether or not it has anything to do with diversity, that depends on whether or not it is considered in context. The discussions among students who help plan for this week; the events of the week (in total); and the discussions that follow all have a combined effect of heightening student awareness to issues of diversity. It may be that the participation of some in day of silent contemplation, in and of itself, would not be sufficient to accomplish the goal of the student planners. In the context of the combination of activities, however, it has been found in past years to add something meaningful to the week.
Contrary to what our critics think and frequently charge, public schools do address community values issues. In the case of our communities here in Eastern Carver County, there is a “community values” statement that has been jointly adopted by cities, the school district and others. We do work at finding ways to incorporate the teaching if these values into our overall program. You will find these values listed on our website, and there are more than the two I have included below, but these two represent the reasons why we have created groups like the Diversity Council and what it is we are trying to teach kids in the process.
Citizenship: A quality in individuals whereby each adheres to and has an understanding and appreciation of the rights, responsibilities, and privileges afforded our society under the Constitution of the United States of America; and where every individual has a willingness and ability to participate in the democratic process in a lawful manner in a society where actions of the individual, group, or government are free from bias, favoritism, or prejudice.
Respect for Others: A quality whereby each and every individual has an unselfish regard and devotion, free from pride or prejudice, to the welfare of others, as well as one's self, by respecting others; by displaying courtesy and compassion; by appreciating and accepting individual differences and cultural diversities; and by showing regard for and knowing the unique qualities of each person as a valued individual.
David Jennings
Superintendent, School District 112
Dear Mr. Brecht (Principle, Pioneer Ridge):
This to me is a political statement and has no business in the classroom.
Eric Watkins
Eric –
Thank you again for sharing the thoughts and opinion, but if you are suggesting we need to concern ourselves with minimum preparation in the “three Rs” or “the basics,” I disagree.
We need to prepare learners with far more than the basics to be successful in their future. They need rigor in academics that provide them knowledge and understanding beyond the basics. They need s kills that allow them to work with others and adapt. I have attached a document approved by the Board in November that is our vision for education and preparation for each learner in the 21st century. It is loaded with thinking that is beyond the traditional basics.
Additionally, the community and school district have adopted values of “Human Worth and Dignity” and “Respect for Others.” Those things are basic. PRIDE week is one of the ways we keep our eye on those basics and work to create a safe an nurturing culture where all people in the learning community feel safe, secure, and respected. It is a necessary for condition for learning.
Take a look at the document attached. It is shaping our work into the future. I would be more than happy to talk about ideas in it if you have questions.
Have you talked to Allison about the Day of Silence? I think she updated me that she had tried to call and did leave a message.
David Brecht
Principal
Chaska High School
I am a student at CHS and chose to participate in the "Day of Silence".
To clarify, no student or teacher was forced or should have been pressured into participating. No one was expected to participate. I personally know many students openly in support of the cause who chose not to participate. Also, atleast for myself, no classtime learning was compromised for the day. Teachers may have changed their plans for less group activity but it was no slack-off day. Students who pariticipated understood that if they had a question, they could ask a teacher and it was not against the message of the day.
This day means a lot to many people at CHS who themselves, family members, or close friends have been silenced through discrimination. At no point this week was there any ecouragement to support homosexuality or trying to get students to protest. The point was to be aware and respectuful.
As a participant, I did not feel I was supporting "gay rights" but rather stating that I feel it is wrong to judge someone for being different than myself (sexual orientation, race, religion, socio-economic stance, etc).
The point is not to protest. We are not blaming the school for allowing discrimination. The point is to gather during PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Diversity Everywhere) week to say we will respect individual diversity without saying a word.
One of my concerns (and they are many) about this Day of Silence/Reflection is why parents were not informed about this agenda in advance. I would think it appropriate to at least let parents know in advance about a week-long agenda of events.
I do not know, but I wonder: how are high schools in District 112 performing at the basic education task; i.e., how are graduates performing in math, science, history, English, etc. compared to Minnesota and national expectations?
I was interested to read the blog exchange re "People Respecting Individual Diversity Everywhere" PRIDE week at Chaska High School. The comments made by the student from Chaska, (Julie) proves that Chaska is doing a great job with our kids. "Julie" is generous, respectful, articulate, and open to an honest dialogue encouraging understanding in a most disarming way. Julie, and students like her, may just may be our new brand of leaders for the 21st Century.
Good Job ISD 112!
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