Thread: How are you handling the protests in your classrooms?

I think it's great that students want to take action as democratic citizens. I believe strongly in discussing pressing and important topics in class in an open, respectful manner. The immigrant perspective is often marginalized at school, and I think this is a great opportunity for teachers (particularly social studies teachers) to explore multiple perspectives on the issue of immigration.

How are you/your school dealing with the protests? How are you handling your in class discussions?

Those protests might as well be on the moon at my school.... As far as class discussion, we've been doing registration for next year ("You mean I have to take this class again if I don't pass?"). :?

No mention of it up here in Northern AZ. Way too isolated with no illegal immagrants.

Let it go political. That is what education is about. Learning from each other and airing views in a civil manner. You stay out of it but facilitate. Set ground rules and make it clear that you will not allow innapropriate comments or behavior. If they sy something make them explain it.

Have fun.

In Houston, there is, obviously, a large population of Mexican background and, it's hard to look at one and know if their "paperwork" is in order.
One kid was quoting something he heard on the news when the admin confronted them and said, "This is an illegal protest" and the kid replied, "So was the Boston Tea Party". After a few minutes of stumbling the admin retorted, "But these are ILLEGAL immigrants." The kid replied, "So were your ancestors and the founders of this country."
The admin went back inside muttering under his breath probably to do some more research.
Now, they are talking "punishment" and still more are saying, "and you will get a mass walkout that will shut you down. And, there goes your job."
whew.... perhaps we need to skip that part of history lessons.....
Also, some local large business are being quoted as saying that, if we lost all of them, it would have a bad effect on the economy. One company that builds about 30 housed per day said that a house that is now $130k would become about $175k without them and would jump the $150k limit that most have on their credit line.
Hmmmmmmm........

.

And the up side is...

They listened in class!

The protest have hit home in our local schools. Greater then 1,000 Junior and High School students walked out of class in my town last week in "protest". The sad thing is however that all of the students interviewed on local media had no idea why they were there. Some stated "We are here for our rights", when asked what rights, they replied ,"The right to be Mexcian.". Very few actually knew anything about the proposed legislation or the potential impact.

We have dicuseed it in depth in our classes and I have instructed every teacher to allow open discussion, within limits, on the topic. I have also assigned two teachers, one on each side of the point of view, to help students to facilitate protest, ect, if they are requested. I believe it is important that as educators we help our students to learn how to get their voices heard when they truly believe in an issue.

As for walkouts however, we have had none. We issued a letter to all students and parents that any student leaving campus or class without authority would be considered truant and suspended according to our school policy.

For the record we do have students on both sides planning small protest this weekend.

Thanks for all the input from everybody.

Mark,

Unlike your kids, mine will be able to march in WARM weather (Phoenix) :P

Dr. Dailey,

I like your school's approach. We are expecting a 100,000+ person march on Monday. The district has instructed us not to restrain a student (no that any of us would), just to let them go and notify the parents. We expect a number of students to be out all day.

Another district in the area will be having a half-day.

Like you, I am proud that our students are trying to do this in a positive manner. I like that you have people supporting the kids and teaching them the proper way to protest a situation. My 8th graders have some ideas of the issues, and we have discussed it a little.

Whatever else goes down on Monday, I hope it continues to stay peaceful.

I think this is the only "type" person we don't have in our school. I'm sure it's the money yet we do have scholarships provided.

My kids have no idea what immigration is neverless that people are protesting about it. All of my students have lived here their entire life as have their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents..and most of that family is living in the same house or town.