And the truth shall set you free

Jada's controversial essay made "comparisons between a slavemaster discouraging Frederick Douglass from learning to read and modern education struggles in her district." Her voice joins the thousands who have studied unequal access to education based on race and socio-economic status...but she was summarily harassed at school, transferred to another school where her parents saw little difference and an unsafe environment. While the superintendent admits they didn't handle her free speech very well (no kidding) he at least recognizes her right to dissent. The issue here is not only that the school does not seem to welcome free speech...they don't seem to like students to tell it like it is either!

STORY: Jada Williams, Student, Allegedly Harassed For Award-Winning Essay Comparing School To Modern Slavery (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8cGwiIouGoVtgAPLt6VO-JPm80mh3Uvcp8Dd-0ViF-65MuTol" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8cGwiIouGoVtgAPLt6VO-JPm80mh3Uvcp8Dd-0ViF-65MuTol" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Jada's controversial essay made "comparisons between a slavemaster discouraging Frederick Douglass from learning to read and modern education struggles in her district." Her voice joins the thousands who have studied unequal access to education based on race and socio-economic status...but she was summarily harassed at school, transferred to another school where her parents saw little difference and an unsafe environment. While the superintendent admits they didn't handle her free speech very well (no kidding) he at least recognizes her right to dissent. The issue here is not only that the school does not seem to welcome free speech...they don't seem to like students to tell it like it is either!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/jada-williams-student-allegedly-harassed-for-essay_n_1321926.html?ref=education">Jada Williams, Student, Allegedly Harassed For Award-Winning Essay Comparing School To Modern Slavery (VIDEO)</a>

Hot for teacher

Van Halen goes to higher education! A 56 year-old college student completed journal entries as part of his Advanced Critical Writing class at Oakland University in Detroit. He found his professor attractive and likened her and another female prof to characters from Gilligan's Island (Ginger and Mary Ann). The result...a one year suspension and mandatory sensitivity training. Joe was asked to stop after his first entry was found to be offensive, but he just couldn't help himself. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) finds this suspension a "wild Overreaction" and plans to appeal the suspension. Oakland University should put in place some preventative measures...cease to hire attractive faculty members, or impose a strict faculty dress code...perhaps recycling prison jump suits. Finally, try to block transmission of episodes of Gilligan's Island little buddy.

 STORY: Joseph Corlett, Oakland University Student Barred For Calling His Teacher Hot In His Writing Assignment

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJi8Goty4uVB7wWS6XaSFR9kG7lBOZdkEWILX9HdA754SOs8EEUA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJi8Goty4uVB7wWS6XaSFR9kG7lBOZdkEWILX9HdA754SOs8EEUA" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Van Halen goes to higher education! A 56 year-old college student completed journal entries as part of his Advanced Critical Writing class at Oakland University in Detroit. He found his professor attractive and likened her and another female prof to characters from Gilligan's Island (Ginger and Mary Ann). The result...a one year suspension and mandatory sensitivity training. Joe was asked to stop after his first entry was found to be offensive, but he just couldn't help himself. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) finds this suspension a "wild Overreaction" and plans to appeal the suspension. Oakland University should put in place some preventative measures...cease to hire attractive faculty members, or impose a strict faculty dress code...perhaps recycling prison jump suits. Finally, try to block transmission of episodes of Gilligan's Island little buddy.<br /> <br />  STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/13/student-barred-from-campus-for-writing-of-attraction-to-female-professor_n_1273449.html">Joseph Corlett, Oakland University Student Barred For Calling His Teacher Hot In His Writing Assignment</a>

700 dirty words you can't say in Arizona

Where is George Carlin when you need him? Arizona State Senate Bill 1467 proposes to suspend or terminate teachers at public schools and universities for using language banned for TV under the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) indecency policy. WTF? Holy sh-t? Does this apply to coaches too? How will they communicate to players? Arizona must have solved all of the important issues facing public education to spend time on this nonsense. One final question...does the rule apply to dirty words in Spanish?

STORY: FCC Rules On 'Dirty Words' Could Be Used In Arizona Schools (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxCOttpqlqSPW_j0TbWpdOeyJC2LsJTj5FmfmUMqAKfXT21HMd" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxCOttpqlqSPW_j0TbWpdOeyJC2LsJTj5FmfmUMqAKfXT21HMd" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Where is George Carlin when you need him? Arizona State Senate Bill 1467 proposes to suspend or <b>terminate</b> teachers at public schools and universities for using language banned for TV under the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) indecency policy. WTF? Holy sh-t? Does this apply to coaches too? How will they communicate to players? Arizona must have solved all of the important issues facing public education to spend time on this nonsense. One final question...does the rule apply to dirty words in Spanish?<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/14/fcc-dirty-words-arizona-schools_n_1277441.html">FCC Rules On 'Dirty Words' Could Be Used In Arizona Schools (VIDEO)</a>

Orangemen real lemons on free speech

"Syracuse, as a matter of policy, promises that "[s]tudents have the right to express themselves freely on any subject" and that "Syracuse University ... welcomes and encourages the expression of dissent." 


Well...not really. As education major Adam Kissel was tutoring last summer at Danforth Middle School, he heard from a member of the city's Concerned Citizen Action Program (CCAP):


(who) "complained aloud that city schools should hire more teachers from historically black colleges--in the presence of Matt and another white student teacher." Matt posted on Facebook that he found this discriminatory...and Syracuse decided to abridge his First Amendment Rights. After making Adam jump through an inordinate number of ridiculous hoops, they finally gave in and he was reinstated...but only after a national press release publicizing his plight. Time to rename the Tully Center for Free Speech to...
Keepa U Mouth Shut til U Graduate Center.

STORY: Syracuse Expels Education Student for Criticizing Racial Comment on Facebook, Then Folds Under Public Scrutiny

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfUnjlzvFQv3VvjNVzts5UqvAV0_Qq6Kq8rFcCc9Uc7klipF5jJw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfUnjlzvFQv3VvjNVzts5UqvAV0_Qq6Kq8rFcCc9Uc7klipF5jJw" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">"Syracuse, as a matter of policy, </span><a href="http://thefire.org/spotlight/codes/1143.html" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #0088c3; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">promises</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> that "[s]tudents have the right to express themselves freely on any subject" and that "Syracuse University ... welcomes and encourages the expression of dissent." </span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Well...<b>not really</b>. As education major Adam Kissel was tutoring last summer at Danforth Middle School, he heard from a member of the city's Concerned Citizen Action Program (CCAP):</span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">(who) "complained aloud that city schools should hire more teachers from historically black colleges--in the presence of Matt and another white student teacher." Matt posted on Facebook that he found this discriminatory...and Syracuse decided to abridge his First Amendment Rights. After making Adam jump through an inordinate number of ridiculous hoops, they finally gave in and he was reinstated...but only after a national press release publicizing his plight. Time to rename the Tully Center for Free Speech to...</span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b>Keepa U Mouth Shut til U Graduate Center.</b></span><br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-kissel/syracuse-expels-education_b_1214830.html">Syracuse Expels Education Student for Criticizing Racial Comment on Facebook, Then Folds Under Public Scrutiny</a>

Death wish and the 1st Amendment

We can remember those writing assignments in high school in which we were asked to write persuasively (albeit naively) about a controversial topic from an opposing view. Or, asked to debate both sides of an argument regardless of our personal stance. Powerfully potential teaching and learning moments are these. Well, what if a student takes the assignment seriously and espouses a venomous position we find disgusting, and it gets published in the student newspaper? You guessed it...his piece is pulled (censorship) and the superintendent reams him a new one! This 15 year-old student at Shawano Community High School wrote a piece opposing gay couples right to adopt using ignorant and homophobic rationale, replete with passages from Leviticus 20:13. We abhor his position, but must defend his right to free speech. In fact, we might see Rick Santorum citing this kid's work in his next attack on gays.

STORY: Brandon Wegner Threatens School With Legal Action For Removing OpEd Mentioning Gays Be 'Put To Death' (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5nt8OYZlsPqLkNf-iozdu0XFxi1eofcuGRc4Qf5GhuK-NsOqj" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5nt8OYZlsPqLkNf-iozdu0XFxi1eofcuGRc4Qf5GhuK-NsOqj" width="302" /></a></div> <br /> We can remember those writing assignments in high school in which we were asked to write persuasively (albeit naively) about a controversial topic from an opposing view. Or, asked to debate both sides of an argument regardless of our personal stance. Powerfully potential teaching and learning moments are these. Well, what if a student takes the assignment seriously and espouses a venomous position we find disgusting, and it gets published in the student newspaper? You guessed it...his piece is pulled (censorship) and the superintendent reams him a new one! This 15 year-old student at Shawano Community High School wrote a piece opposing gay couples right to adopt using ignorant and homophobic rationale, replete with passages from Leviticus 20:13. We abhor his position, but must defend his right to free speech. In fact, we might see Rick Santorum citing this kid's work in his next attack on gays.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/27/brandon-wegner-15-sues-sc_n_1237157.html?ref=high-school&ir=High%20School">Brandon Wegner Threatens School With Legal Action For Removing OpEd Mentioning Gays Be 'Put To Death' (VIDEO)</a>

Book Traffickers invade Arizona

Looks like a "magical mystery tour" is headed straight to Tucson, Arizona in mid-March. The mystery?
Not the Beatles. Why were books on Mexican American Studies (MAS) banned from the Tucson Unified School District? Lame answer...Winners write the damn history books Nacho! Arizona State Superintendent John Huppenthal decided that the high school MAS courses were in violation of ARS-15-112. Yikes...how far will Arizona go on this affront to Mexican Americans and the First Amendment? Apparently Huffenthal is a big fan of Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451! The literary contraband was seized from the high school by some of the Arizona book storm troopers while MAS classes were in session. Nice lesson to teach the students. God speed to the Book Traffickers as they make their trek to Arizona.

STORY: 'Librotraficante' Caravan Set To Smuggle Books Back Into Arizona Following Ethnic Studies Ban

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSAoulxAu7iqn20R0Y2oj7s76Ki7Vd8CvZg8-2A-8iR9Cvu37gqpw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSAoulxAu7iqn20R0Y2oj7s76Ki7Vd8CvZg8-2A-8iR9Cvu37gqpw" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Looks like a "magical mystery tour" is headed straight to Tucson, Arizona in mid-March. The mystery?<br /> Not the Beatles. Why were books on Mexican American Studies (MAS) banned from the Tucson Unified School District? Lame answer...Winners write the damn history books Nacho! Arizona State Superintendent John Huppenthal decided that the high school MAS courses were in violation of ARS-15-112. Yikes...how far will Arizona go on this affront to Mexican Americans and the First Amendment? Apparently Huffenthal is a big fan of Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451! The literary contraband was seized from the high school by some of the Arizona book storm troopers while MAS classes were in session. Nice lesson to teach the students. God speed to the Book Traffickers as they make their trek to Arizona.<br /> <br /> STORY:<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/31/arizona-ethnic-studies-ban-controversy_n_1243975.html?ref=education&ir=Education"> 'Librotraficante' Caravan Set To Smuggle Books Back Into Arizona Following Ethnic Studies Ban</a>

Teacher Fired Over "Have You Drugged Your Kid Today?" Bumper Sticker

An English teacher was fired after refusing to remove a bumper sticker for her car that read "Have You Drugged Your Kid Today?"

She says it was political commentary on the over medication of students and she never discussed it in class, but some parents complained which led to her being asked to remove it.

She clearly has a right to political expression, and it would be hard to argue the bumper sticker is obscene. The only real question is can the school regulate what is on her car while it is on school property.

What do you think?

STORY: Teacher: I Was Fired Over A Bumper Sticker

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.kpho.com/2011/0210/26813105_640X360.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /> An English teacher was fired after refusing to remove a bumper sticker for her car that read "Have You Drugged Your Kid Today?"<br /> <br /> She says it was political commentary on the over medication of students and she never discussed it in class, but some parents complained which led to her being asked to remove it.<br /> <br /> She clearly has a right to political expression, and it would be hard to argue the bumper sticker is obscene. The only real question is can the school regulate what is on her car while it is on school property.<br /> <br /> What do you think?<br /> <br /> <b>STORY: </b><a href="http://www.kpho.com/news/26813028/detail.html?sms_ss=newsvine&taf=pho">Teacher: I Was Fired Over A Bumper Sticker</a>

Anti-Tea Party Teacher Back in the Classroom

Jason Levin, a middle school teacher and political activist, is some hot water over his website "Crash the Tea Party". He wants people to infiltrate tea party rallies, and do some monkey wrenching.

Some parents are upset.. However, this is done on his own time, on a personal website. Being a teacher doesn't mean you forfeit your rights to free speech or to take part in the political process. Further, this guy is someone who is using new media to be politically active -- in my mind, the kind of guy I'd want teaching my kids how to use the internet.

They are also mad because he sent some tweets during school hours -- in my mind, this is a huge over reaction -- technology is here, teachers have lives outside of school, and we should be stoked to have our kids being instructed by folks who have a grasp of how to leverage the internet...


STORY: Anti-Tea Party Teacher Back in the Classroom

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://aphr.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/boston-tea-party-2007-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://aphr.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/boston-tea-party-2007-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jason Levin, a middle school teacher and political activist, is some hot water over his website "Crash the Tea Party". He wants people to infiltrate tea party rallies, and do some monkey wrenching.<br /> <br /> Some parents are upset.. However, this is done on his own time, on a personal website. Being a teacher doesn't mean you forfeit your rights to free speech or to take part in the political process. Further, this guy is someone who is using new media to be politically active -- in my mind, the kind of guy I'd want teaching my kids how to use the internet.<br /> <br /> They are also mad because he sent some tweets during school hours -- in my mind, this is a huge over reaction -- technology is here, teachers have lives outside of school, and we should be stoked to have our kids being instructed by folks who have a grasp of how to leverage the internet...<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>STORY:</b> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/04/27/anti-tea-party-teacher-classroom/">Anti-Tea Party Teacher Back in the Classroom</a>

Lady Gay Gay Shirt Gets Teen Sent Home

A Tennessee student was sent home for wearing a t-shirt (above) that reads "I Love Lady Gay Gay". The school has said the shirt would cause a "disruption" to the educational process. When I was a high schooler I was suspended because my underground newspaper caused a disturbance. I never liked this rule, and felt it left way to much power in the hands of the administration. Information can be a major disruption -- for example, what about a class discussion about how neo-con groups fabricated reports that led to the escalation of the cold war in the early 80's-- that might disrupt some peoples realities. Education SHOULD be disruptive -- we should be disrupting kids worldviews on a DAILY BASIS and causing fundamental changes in the way they view the world. If your students are still holding on to some Iron age belief system that says "being gay is wrong", you shouldn't need to protect students from the truth that we are all people and should be treated equally with respect and dignity. 

STORY: School Sends Teen Wearing 'Gay' Shirt Home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.musictoday.com/store/bands/1878/product_medium/BGCTLG40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /> <img border="0" src="http://media.musictoday.com/store/bands/1878/product_medium/BGCTLG40.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Tennessee student was sent home for wearing a t-shirt (above) that reads "I Love Lady Gay Gay". The school has said the shirt would cause a "disruption" to the educational process. When I was a high schooler I was suspended because my underground newspaper caused a disturbance. I never liked this rule, and felt it left way to much power in the hands of the administration. Information can be a major disruption -- for example, what about a class discussion about how neo-con groups fabricated reports that led to the escalation of the cold war in the early 80's-- that might disrupt some peoples realities. Education SHOULD be disruptive -- we should be disrupting kids worldviews on a DAILY BASIS and causing fundamental changes in the way they view the world. If your students are still holding on to some Iron age belief system that says "being gay is wrong", you shouldn't need to protect students from the truth that we are all people and should be treated equally with respect and dignity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><b>STORY:</b> <a href="http://www.wsmv.com/video/23072689/index.html">School Sends Teen Wearing 'Gay' Shirt Home</a>

Bibles for Porn in Texas! (VIDEO)

(Samson & the Prostitute - Judges 16:1 "and he went into her")

The student organization Atheist Agenda has staged a publicity stunt in which they are allowing students to trade in "smut for smut". They have a table set up in a heavily trafficked area where they will trade you a porno for any holy text. The group points out that the content of these holy works contains graphic depictions of sex that are no different than what you find on YouPorn.

Some students are outraged, others love it. The administration has made the right play here, by publicly acknowledging that the students are protected under the first amendment.

VIDEO: Texas College Campus Divided Over Bible for Porn Campaign

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="240" src="http://www.thebricktestament.com/judges/samson_and_the_prostitute/jg16_01b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Samson & the Prostitute - <a href="http://www.thebricktestament.com/judges/samson_and_the_prostitute/jg16_01a.html">Judges 16:1</a> "and he went into her")</td></tr> </tbody></table>The student organization <i>Atheist Agenda</i> has staged a publicity stunt in which they are allowing students to trade in "smut for smut". They have a table set up in a heavily trafficked area where they will trade you a porno for any holy text. The group points out that the content of these holy works contains graphic depictions of sex that are no different than what you find on YouPorn.<br /> <br /> Some students are outraged, others love it. The administration has made the right play here, by publicly acknowledging that the students are protected under the first amendment.<br /> <br /> <b>VIDEO:</b> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/02/texas-college-campus-divided-bible-porn-campaign/">Texas College Campus Divided Over Bible for Porn Campaign</a>

Teacher suspended over Facebook comments

Story: Apex teacher suspended after parents question Facebook comments

After a classroom conversation about evolution, a child thought it would be a nice gesture to give his teacher a Bible. Rather than handle the situation like a mature adult, she decided to open up a Facebook rant and referred to the incident as a hate crime. Her friends chimed in with replies about "ignorant Southern rednecks" and swastikas. I guess some teacher aren't familiar with the concept of behind closed doors.

<a href="http://www.theworshipcenter.org/myspace%20join%20facebook%2020%20somethings%20bible%20study%20%20the%20worship%20center.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.theworshipcenter.org/myspace%20join%20facebook%2020%20somethings%20bible%20study%20%20the%20worship%20center.png" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><strong>Story:</strong> <a href="http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/7041186/">Apex teacher suspended after parents question Facebook comments</a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">After a classroom conversation about evolution, a child thought it would be a nice gesture to give his teacher a Bible. Rather than handle the situation like a mature adult, she decided to open up a Facebook rant and referred to the incident as a hate crime. Her friends chimed in with replies about "ignorant Southern rednecks" and swastikas. I guess some teacher aren't familiar with the concept of <em>behind closed doors</em>.</div>

School bans dictionary!!!

Story: Menifee school panel will review banned dictionary

It's official! The day has finally come when children can't even use a dictionary as a resource. One parent dug through it and found a sexual term, now the whole school is left unable to look up definitions. I can already hear the laughter of education critics from every other country in the world.

<a href="http://ctlgbtlaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dictionary.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ctlgbtlaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dictionary.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 323px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><strong>Story:</strong> <a href="http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_W_dictionary23.466f8d4.html">Menifee school panel will review banned dictionary</a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">It's official! The day has finally come when children can't even use a dictionary as a resource. One parent dug through it and found a sexual term, now the whole school is left unable to look up definitions. I can already hear the laughter of education critics from every other country in the world.</div>

Student suspended for ‘threatening’ rap lyrics

Story: BLHS student suspended for ‘threatening’ rap lyrics

This is a prime example of what's wrong with Zero Tolerance. I am guessing this boy isn't the only teenager in the country to try and write a rap song...fairly confident about that. But since his lyrics indirectly contained references to guns and death, he now faces suspension, potential expulsion, and charges at a juvenile court. Imagine if Run DMC had it this rough?

<a href="http://bernardaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/raps.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://bernardaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/raps.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 224px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/521613.html?nav=5008">BLHS student suspended for ‘threatening’ rap lyrics</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a prime example of what's wrong with Zero Tolerance. I am guessing this boy isn't the only teenager in the country to try and write a rap song...fairly confident about that. But since his lyrics indirectly contained references to guns and death, he now faces suspension, potential expulsion, and charges at a juvenile court. Imagine if Run DMC had it this rough?<br /></div>

Indiana student newspaper runs white-supremacist ad

Story: Carmel student newspaper runs white-supremacist ad

5,000 students at this high school are left wondering if their school supports the Neo-Nazi movement after a white-supremacist group was able to run an ad in their newspaper. This is when a faculty adviser needs to do their job and proofread everything before it goes into print. The same thing happened a week ago in San Fransisco. Who knew that hate groups got their news from high school journalists?

<a href="http://www.johnnygoodtimes.com/whitepowerff6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.johnnygoodtimes.com/whitepowerff6.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 310px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.indystar.com/article/20091122/LOCAL0101/91122010/1015/LOCAL01/Carmel-student-newspaper-runs-white-supremacist-ad">Carmel student newspaper runs white-supremacist ad</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">5,000 students at this high school are left wondering if their school supports the Neo-Nazi movement after a white-supremacist group was able to run an ad in their newspaper. This is when a faculty adviser needs to do their job and proofread everything before it goes into print. The same thing happened a week ago in <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/14/BABH1AK7O4.DTL">San Fransisco</a>. Who knew that hate groups got their news from high school journalists?<br /></div>

Pledge of Confusion? Schools Wrestle With Flag Policy in Classroom

Story: Pledge of Confusion? Schools Wrestle With Flag Policy in Classroom

The debate is on again of whether or not we should force children to stand up and recite and age-old poem about our flag to start each school morning. The new twist that some groups are advocating would require teachers to inform the students that they have the right to remain silent, and not pledge. Am I the only one that think getting rid of this tradition altogether would solve a lot of problems? Plus, it would give teachers an extra couple minutes of instruction time each day!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK2-jr-tFDGVRblOgj0wIw7cBM8OEuYwhUSyDkz7R7fQ70L3jh8Thdv4s-anValfJ5SgzUyOl9ZdLhpjxkUb0G3itCh2MubQVhujyiiILFE8XnN455zfQIeHpA6PeB_GkKRcWqu6liNr4/s700/pledge-of-flag.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK2-jr-tFDGVRblOgj0wIw7cBM8OEuYwhUSyDkz7R7fQ70L3jh8Thdv4s-anValfJ5SgzUyOl9ZdLhpjxkUb0G3itCh2MubQVhujyiiILFE8XnN455zfQIeHpA6PeB_GkKRcWqu6liNr4/s700/pledge-of-flag.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 261px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,550063,00.html">Pledge of Confusion? Schools Wrestle With Flag Policy in Classroom</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The debate is on again of whether or not we should force children to stand up and recite and age-old poem about our flag to start each school morning. The new twist that some groups are advocating would require teachers to inform the students that they have the right to remain silent, and not pledge. Am I the only one that think getting rid of this tradition altogether would solve a lot of problems? Plus, it would give teachers an extra couple minutes of instruction time each day!<br /></div>

School bans t-shirt bearing the First Amendment

Story: School bans t-shirt bearing the First Amendment

I have never been more proud of our freedom than after hearing this perfect display of irony.

<a href="http://www.granitegrok.com/pix/Constitution.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.granitegrok.com/pix/Constitution.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 426px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div></div><div><strong>Story:</strong> <a href="http://voices.kansascity.com/node/5548">School bans t-shirt bearing the First Amendment</a></div><br /><div></div><div align="justify">I have never been more proud of our freedom than after hearing this perfect display of irony.</div>

Church and State: Schools Divided

Story 1: Texas public schools required to teach Bible this year

VERSUS

Story 2: Florida Principal, Athletic Director Could Go to Jail for Prayer Before Lunch at School

Here's a chance to examine the spectrum we are facing with religion in schools. In one corner, Texas schools will be teaching the Bible just like they teach The Great Gatsby or Hamlet. And in Florida, a couple of educators not only have their careers at risk, but could face jail time for praying before a meal at a school event. Last I checked, our country is loaded with churches that are more than willing to teach the word of the Lord free of cost. And I can't think of many job/college applications that require a background in the Old Testament. So regardless of any freedom of speech arguments, it really seems like there is no practical reason to invite religion into a classoom.

<a href="http://www.stlawrenceparish.org/images/pastor.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.stlawrenceparish.org/images/pastor.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><strong>Story 1:</strong> <a href="http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=10933571">Texas public schools required to teach Bible this year</a><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><em>VERSUS</em></strong></span></div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Story 2:</strong> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539741,00.html?test=latestnews">Florida Principal, Athletic Director Could Go to Jail for Prayer Before Lunch at School</a></div><div></div><div align="justify">Here's a chance to examine the spectrum we are facing with religion in schools. In one corner, Texas schools will be teaching the Bible just like they teach <em>The Great Gatsby</em> or <em>Hamlet</em>. And in Florida, a couple of educators not only have their careers at risk, but could face jail time for praying before a meal at a school event. Last I checked, our country is loaded with churches that are more than willing to teach the word of the Lord free of cost. And I can't think of many job/college applications that require a background in the Old Testament. So regardless of any freedom of speech arguments, it really seems like there is no practical reason to invite religion into a classoom.</div>

Teacher accused of displaying Bible sues district

Story: Teacher accused of displaying Bible sues district

This the same guy who was accused of burning a cross on a students arm. Now he is suing for $1 million dollars because he feels he has been harassed and his rights have been violated. A million dollars oughta make up for not being allowed to preach the Bible during a science class, right? Well Mr. Freshwater, I am sure you are familiar with this little passage from Proverbs 28:20- "A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished. " Good luck with the lawsuit.

<a href="http://www.orthotomeo.co.za/wp-content/Images/thumbs/bible_wcross.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.orthotomeo.co.za/wp-content/Images/thumbs/bible_wcross.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hkpZQXwJBEVapUCY2FAM6e1WH4AAD98NUOP82">Teacher accused of displaying Bible sues district</a></div><br /><div></div><div align="justify">This the same guy who was accused of <a href="http://www.detentionslip.org/2008/06/teacher-accused-of-burning-cross-on.html">burning a cross on a students arm</a>. Now he is suing for $1 million dollars because he feels he has been harassed and his rights have been violated. A million dollars oughta make up for not being allowed to preach the Bible during a science class, right? Well Mr. Freshwater, I am sure you are familiar with this little passage from Proverbs 28:20- "<em>A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.</em> " Good luck with the lawsuit.</></div>

Segregated Prom (Dance Remix)

Music video just done up mixing elements from the story about the Segregated Prom in Georgia. Watch, forward, spread the word.

DetentionSlip.org covered this story earlier this week:
Segregated Proms En Vogue in Racist Georgia High Schools


The NY Times covered it as well:
A Prom Divided



Sound track was done up by DJ Whoquestion, a high school student who actually first tipped us off about this story earlier this week. Video was put together by TheTruth (which explains any typos).

<center><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NV75NxIhrVA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NV75NxIhrVA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><br />Music video just done up mixing elements from the story about the Segregated Prom in Georgia. Watch, forward, spread the word.<br /><br />DetentionSlip.org covered this story earlier this week:<a href="http://www.detentionslip.org/2009/05/segregated-proms-en-vouge-in-racist.html"><br /><b>Segregated Proms En Vogue in Racist Georgia High Schools<br /></b></a><br /><br />The NY Times covered it as well:<br /><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/magazine/24prom-t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine">A Prom Divided<br /></a></b><br /><br /><br />Sound track was done up by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/DJ-Whoquestion/21100482609?ref=ts">DJ Whoquestion</a>, a high school student who actually first tipped us off about this story earlier this week. Video was put together by TheTruth (which explains any typos).

School curbs girl's report on gay rights activist Milk

Story: School curbs girl's report on gay rights activist Milk

Hey San Diego, if you didn't get the memo, it's the 21st century! Turns out a 6th grader did an independent project researching Harvey Milk and the school decided it would only let her present the project to students whose parents, wait for it... Signed a permission form.

I'm a big fan of permission based education. If you don't agree with a particular piece of history, just don't sign! Amazing. Of course, the ACLU has already threatened a suit if the district doesn't apologize in writing, and let her present to the entire student body.

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div align='center'><strong><img src="http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/park/gfm11/nomilkgif/nomilk.gif" style="max-width: 800px;"/></strong></div><strong><br />Story: </strong><a href="http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/may/21/1n21ramona00477-ramona-girl-blocked-giving-talk-ha/?uniontrib">School curbs girl's report on gay rights activist Milk</a><br /><br />Hey San Diego, if you didn't get the memo, it's the 21st century! Turns out a 6th grader did an independent project researching Harvey Milk and the school decided it would only let her present the project to students whose parents, wait for it... <i>Signed a permission form</i>.<br /><br />I'm a big fan of permission based education. If you don't agree with a particular piece of history, just don't sign! Amazing. Of course, the ACLU has already threatened a suit if the district doesn't apologize in writing, and let her present to the entire student body.</div>