Posted on 09/05/2005 8:47:02 PM PDT by lexfreedom
Lexington’s School Committee reaffirms its commitment to diversity
By From the School Committee Thursday, September 1, 2005
The beginning of a new school year is a good time to consider why our country pioneered universal public education back in the 1830s and 1840s.
Public schools have a utilitarian mission in part: to prepare students for productive employment. In a high-performing district like Lexington, the schools also have a serious college preparatory mission, and we are proud that virtually all our students who want to pursue a college education do so, many at prestigious universities. Of course, we share with all public school systems the fundamental mission of preparing our students for participation in the American democracy.
The leading advocate for public education, Horace Mann, was born in Franklin. A Massachusetts educator, he helped to establish the state Board of Education and became its first chairman. He founded the first training school for public school teachers, in Lexington, in 1839.
Mann, like John Adams before him, believed public education was vital to the healthy functioning of a democracy. "Schoolhouses," he wrote, "are the republican line of fortifications." By this he meant that if the residents of the nation are not educated, they cannot become responsible citizens, worthy of the vote. Public schools are the places where all residents, rich or poor, of whatever religion or race, come together, learn about themselves, and each other, and the world, and understand what it means to live in a democracy.
This need inevitably required, and still requires, teaching values that help people get along with one another comfortably, respecting and valuing differences while joining in the general cause to sustain freedom.
Mann also saw education as the way to fulfill the possibilities of each individual. He said that "education alone can conduct us to that enjoyment which is, at once, best in quality and infinite in quantity." Like the stewards of public school systems everywhere, we are committed to this mission.
These hypocrites didn't respect or value David Parker's simple request to be notified when topics of homosexuality or transgenderism were going to come up in his 5-year old's KINDERGARTEN class!
Also, the way they sustain freedom is to throw him in jail and then BAN him from ALL public school property by issuing their own restraining order (probably illegal).
Support David Parker:
If the schools teach the basics well, that is something. A parent can unteach some "value" lessons at home. Of course the final path is the home school which is a vital outlet when things go too far.
If you can't make it to the rally, help support the Parkers:
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