Greetings from Trump's America: Becker Minnesota, where a 92.6% white school district bans teaching 'divisive concepts'

 

Headline:  St. Cloud Times, 8/8/2022

Policy opponents say the district is trying to stifle free speech, suppress LGBTQ students and advocates, and prohibit the accurate teaching of history and other subjects. And a few groups are threatening to sue the district if the policy is implemented, the Star Tribune reported. 

It's just the latest in a list of polarizing issues that have surfaced in classrooms nationwide, including over displaying pride flags, teaching critical race theory and supporting marginalized students. 

 “It is, frankly, hard to know where to begin in unpacking the problems with this general policy statement,” said Meg Luger-Nikolai, attorney with the statewide teachers union Education Minnesota, who noted the prohibition of personal bias could make the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance subject to discipline because it requires showing prejudice in favor of the U.S. and its flag.

 

Sources:  New York Times, Minnesota Secreteary of State

Sources:  U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts,  U.S. News and World Report

Related reading:

Becker students, teachers raise concerns as school board allows anti-LGBT presentation. (3/10/2022)

Yes, the Becker School Board is all white.