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Question about a McCain sticker in my classroom
Self | 9-23-08 | self

Posted on 09/23/2008 7:43:59 AM PDT by SoftballMominVA

A student gave me a McCain/Palin sticker this morning. I put it up on my bulletin board. Since I teach at a public school is there any reason why I can't have a political sticker there?


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Education
KEYWORDS: education; firstamendment; freespeech; mccain; mccainpalin; publicschools
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Advice from the more informed?
1 posted on 09/23/2008 7:43:59 AM PDT by SoftballMominVA
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To: SoftballMominVA

Only Obama/Biden stickers are allowed. Sorry.


2 posted on 09/23/2008 7:45:18 AM PDT by 14erClimb (Sarah Palin: Ronald Reagan in a skirt!)
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To: SoftballMominVA

Your school’s policy on political matters will decide the issue. If included as part of an overall “election” education lesson, it’s appropriate but you’d be likely to be asked to be inclusive.

If that happens, be sure to get a Ralph Nader sticker as well. ;)


3 posted on 09/23/2008 7:45:53 AM PDT by mgc1122
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To: SoftballMominVA

My guess is that if you also put up an Obama sticker, few will complain. Without it, and many will complain. Check with the Dean.


4 posted on 09/23/2008 7:46:29 AM PDT by theDentist (Qwerty ergo typo : I type, therefore I misspelll.)
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To: SoftballMominVA

Public school? Dont quit your night job. You might as well post the Lord’s prayer.


5 posted on 09/23/2008 7:47:13 AM PDT by DogBarkTree (That sharp pain to the LibRat's groin is called the Palin Effect.)
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To: SoftballMominVA

Of course you can have the bumper sticker....I mean schools are all about free speech for teachers and students.
Oh wait that was in 1955, no better take it down or you will lose your job.


6 posted on 09/23/2008 7:47:27 AM PDT by svcw (Great selection of gift baskets: http://baskettastic.com/)
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To: mgc1122

It’s not part of a lesson, it’s just there next to my picture of Pres Bush and Mrs. Bush.

Hmmmm.... I’d take the McCain sticker down before I put an Obama one up.


7 posted on 09/23/2008 7:48:39 AM PDT by SoftballMominVA (I'm trying to think of a new screen name - any suggestions?)
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To: SoftballMominVA
I would suggest that legally, the school is a politically neutral environment and no advocacy for a particular candidate is permitted.

In reality, and you surely know better than I do, it is mostly a liberally biased place. Given enough time one of your coworkers will surely raise a stink about your McCain-Palin sign.

8 posted on 09/23/2008 7:48:44 AM PDT by JrsyJack
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To: mgc1122

It’s not part of a lesson, it’s just there next to my picture of Pres Bush and Mrs. Bush.

Hmmmm.... I’d take the McCain sticker down before I put an Obama one up.


9 posted on 09/23/2008 7:48:48 AM PDT by SoftballMominVA (I'm trying to think of a new screen name - any suggestions?)
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To: JrsyJack

Well, this could be interesting then. My principal is a Republican and probably about 40% of the faculty are also Republican, so, I may just leave it up there and see what happens. Or I might take it down and put it on my car!


10 posted on 09/23/2008 7:50:44 AM PDT by SoftballMominVA (I'm trying to think of a new screen name - any suggestions?)
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To: SoftballMominVA

NEVER bring politics onto the job, wether it’s a private company or a public school.

You’re paid to teach, not promote.


11 posted on 09/23/2008 7:54:23 AM PDT by SJSAMPLE
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To: SoftballMominVA
Would I want my kid at a public school subjected to teachers actively campaigning for Obama?

No.

When in the Government, as President or as a high school teacher, you are not allowed to use Government offices to be campaigning politically. The President, for example, cannot use White House staff or offices to conduct partisan political campaigns from the White House. That has to be done off-site.

The appropriate place for your sticker is on the bumper of your private car in the parking lot.

Two stickers, Obama and McCain, side by side, is a different matter as that stimulates non-partisan debate and is not overt political advocacy by a Government employee on Government property.

12 posted on 09/23/2008 7:54:29 AM PDT by Polybius
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To: SoftballMominVA

I don’t know the legalities of this. But, I do know that if I walked into my child’s class and saw an O’Bama sticker on the BB, I wouldn’t waste a nano-second in complaining about it.


13 posted on 09/23/2008 7:56:22 AM PDT by papasmurf (I ain't your Daddy's Conservative, OK?)
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To: SoftballMominVA
might depend on the grade you teach. are the kids old enough to know what is going on? or are they younger? if younger, you might want to put up both stickers and explain what is going on in terms of the election, without partisanship. just explain who the players are.

but if it's high school, the kids know. all you need is one kid to go home and complain about the mccain sticker and you'll get some irrate phone calls. do you want that?

14 posted on 09/23/2008 7:57:31 AM PDT by thefactor (yes, as a matter of fact i DID only read the excerpt.)
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To: SoftballMominVA
Put this link on your board too....

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/series8.aspx

15 posted on 09/23/2008 7:58:02 AM PDT by Osage Orange (MOLON LABE)
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

To: SoftballMominVA

I work for a school district, and we have some pretty strict and clear cut rules prohibiting political activity in the classroom or on campus by teachers and staff. Of course, I’m sure the rules get bent whenever a Dem is being supported, but I would check with your administration just to be on the safe side.


17 posted on 09/23/2008 8:00:41 AM PDT by CA Conservative
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To: SoftballMominVA

Sure...hang it right next to your Rosary or Crucifix.


18 posted on 09/23/2008 8:00:59 AM PDT by Retired Greyhound
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To: SoftballMominVA

Expect men in black to arrive from the ACLU.


19 posted on 09/23/2008 8:04:04 AM PDT by peggybac (Tolerance is the virtue of believing in nothing)
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To: Polybius

Kudos for a sensible, non-snarky post.


20 posted on 09/23/2008 8:06:16 AM PDT by BohDaThone
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