by Louie Tacker

RECENTLY here in America, a rash of student complaints have surfaced, both from the high school and college levels.

These complaints are alleged on the frightening number of teachers and professors who have taken it upon themselves to use their classrooms as platforms to preach their own political views… mostly far left views. The most recent one to gain publicity is of a high school history teacher, who was taped by a student in a full 18 minutes of political babble, ranging from comparing President Bush’s last State of the Union Address with that of Adolf Hitler’s speeches. The said history teacher even said that the United States is out to rule and conquer the world.

Now, I am an independent, politically, and I would fight for this teacher’s right to make these claims, as ludicrous as they are - this country being democratic and persons residing here are free to express themselves. But I believe that the CLASSROOM IS NO PLACE FOR SUCH CLAIMS, especially when the opposite point of view is not presented as in a fair debate type situation.

When asked why he taped his teacher while making his discussion, the student said it was for note taking, and he did not want to miss out on anything that his teacher said, as the poor student feared for his grades if he spoke out against the teachers’ preaching. 

On the other hand, the teacher retaliated that he was only trying to stimulate the minds of the students. Well, I could buy that IF the opposing viewpoint was allowed to be discussed. I myself heard the debate as it was aired on television, but I say it was not a fair debate, it was pure lecturing left wing preachings to the young impressionable minds.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. In many instances, the students, who look up to their teachers, and also fear them for they have the power to pass or fail their students, are afraid to come forward and express their opinions. I applaud the bravery of the young man who stepped out and let the parents and public (who pay for the teacher’s salary with tax money) know just what is happening in their classrooms. After this incident came out, we parents are reminded that, certainly we must find time to talk with our children and know what is really happening in their classrooms - if they are being educated or influenced politically.

Unfortunately, the colleges are even worse. This subject really hits home for me because nearly 30 years ago, after being acccepted into a program in my last year of high school, I was offered to take two college courses at the local university, at the time the Vietnam war was concluding. During that time, political emotions were high and I was forced for 1/2 term to be listed to not only one but two professors who would ramble about the war and how wrong America was and blah.. blah..blah.

I was only 17 at that time and I was so turned off by the ‘college scene’ that any thoughts of going further in college were squashed. It is not that I am upset with left wing viewpoints, but the fact that the classroom should not be used in expressing any viewpoint that can influence the minds of the students. In any case that such expression is inevitable, it should be presented in a way that both sides are given, not just one, not just the teacher’s. The clasroom is for education, where all sides should be presented in a balanced situation so that the students can formulate their own opinion, in which way their minds can be developed according to how they perceive things.

Children all over are the future of the world. Their minds are precious and fragile, and it is OUR responsibility to protect them and make sure the information that reaches them are not preempted or distorted by some others’ opinion.

I urge every parent who may read this to get involved in their children’s education. They should go to open house nights at school and find out who are teaching their children. Just as a farmer who would not just plant his seeds but check on the development of his crop, parents must likewise monitor the education of their kids, and not just put everything in the hands of the teachers.

P.S. A special note to teachers and professors all over the world:  to most of you who do a wonderful and difficult job everyday - thank you. But also, we need to weed out the bad seeds, as they are ruining the fine reputation your all strive very hard to build everyday.