PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Teacher Shut Up (don't mention the war)
by Concerned Parent Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 at 2:27 PM

All across the country teachers are being told to shut up about President Bush and his war. As one concerned parent to another, I urge you to send email.

teachershutup.jpg, image/jpeg, 551x612

The latest (CNN) story about shushing teachers comes from Maine:

"Maine teachers warned: Watch anti-war talk in classroom"

"Maine's top education official (has) warned teachers to be careful of what they say in class about a possible invasion of Iraq."

Memo's such as the one sent to Maine school districts have a chilling effect on teachers. I don't see a problem with presenting both sides of this important question, but what we are seeing appears to be a pre-emptive effort to prevent any mention of war whatsoever. Silence about war makes war more likely.

I'm sending emails to complain that teachers are being silenced. I hope that you will too. We must stop this pro-war drumbeat before it sweeps every school district in the country.

The above official's email address is:

duke.albanese@maine.gov

Here are the important links:

Story--

http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/02/28/teachers.iraq.ap/index.html

Other email addresses of Maine School officials--

http://www.state.me.us/education/lsalt/leadership.htm

Picture of the commissioner--

http://www.state.me.us/education/welcome.htm

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