A teacher in Las Vegas, Nevada is being criticized for allowing students to wear KKK robes to class. The teacher at the Las Vegas Academy, a magnate school for the performing arts, is not going to be punished for his decision.
He says that students were being asked to write a paper, perform a skit or recite a narrative to show their knowledge of history. This is what led two students to ask if they could wear KKK robes, along with the hoods. Unfortunately, the teacher didn’t tell the students not to wear the robes outside the classroom, and this is what caused an uproar within the school.
In a letter to parents, Principal Scott Walker explained the situation:
“While the presentation was designed to highlight the atrocities committed by the Klan, and there was no intention to harm or offend on the part of the students, it was in poor judgment and inappropriate for students to go to such lengths to convey their message,” Walker wrote. “We are deeply sorry for the offensive incident and appreciate your support and cooperation as we use these events as teachable moments about cultural and historical understanding.”
The teacher was supported at a school board meeting, but was criticized for not warning the district of “potentially controversial lessons.” This is not the first time that this school has been under fire for racial controversy. Back in 2011, the students used the N-word during a production of ”Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
This incident makes you wonder if black people are the only ones who can be racially insulted or the sake of art. Could the students do performances that use the word “b*tch” or refer to Jews and/or gays in a derogatory way? You have to wonder.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Wednesday, January 30th 2013 at 1:43PM
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