Trustees hear debate over DHS speakers
By Jeff Hudson/Enterprise staff writer
The Davis Board of Education got an earful of commentary Thursday evening, as a dozen speakers came to the microphone to discuss the cancellation on Monday of a planned appearance by the Wheels of Justice organization.
Davis High School history and social studies teacher Don Winters had planned to have speakers from the roving Wheels of Justice bus - which is conducting a 16-state tour - give 30-minute presentations in about 10 classrooms over a five-hour period.
On its Web site (www.justicewheels.org), the organization describes itself as offering "nonviolent education and action against war and occupation in Iraq and Palestine for justice and universal human rights."
However, Davis High School Principal Mike Cawley canceled the invitation to speak after Rabbi Greg Wolfe of Congregation Bet Haverim and several community members voiced concerns that Wheels of Justice gives a one-sided presentation, citing language on the group's Web site referencing Israeli "death squads" and "apartheid laws."
Cawley said he would have needed more time to bring in a second speaker representing a different viewpoint to give students a more balanced presentation.
Superintendent David Murphy began Thursday's discussion by passing out copies of the district's policy about speakers, adopted in 1983, which Murphy promised to update.
Numerous speakers criticized the decision to cancel the Wheels of Justice presentation. Hamza El-Nakhal of the Islamic Center of Davis told the trustees, "I've been invited to the high school many times (to speak about Palestinian issues)," adding that he's unhappy that the touring speakers were not allowed to talk to students.
"Sometimes it seems that when certain members of the community affect a decision at the high school, we cannot help but feel we are marginalized, second-class citizens, less important," El-Nakhal said. "It shouldn't be that way."
Parent and peace activist Cindy Litman, who is Jewish, said she is "disappointed," adding that "I think that teachers need to be apprenticing young people to be thoughtful (when it comes to dealing with complex issues like the Middle East), and the way we do that is by inviting just the kind of speakers who were closed out of our schools the other day."
Dean Johansen, parent and member of the American Civil Liberties Union, spoke of his "outrage" that the Wheels of Justice presentation had been canceled, and called on the school board to schedule an agenda item for the Jan. 8 meeting to discuss the issue.
Newly seated trustee Jim Provenza echoed that sentiment, and asked that the question be put on the agenda for the first school board meeting in January.
James Schwab, a 1997 graduate of Davis High who also is active in the ACLU, said, "In our community, where hate among students is a major concern, we must not close them off from an alternative point of view."
However, parent Nancy Lazarus, also an ACLU member, said, "If Wheels of Justice wants to speak in Davis, they can rent a hall, and those who want can attend. I must question the motivation of Winters, who would use his position as teacher to advance their agenda."
Lazarus described Winters' offer of an alternative assignment for students who objected to Wheels of Justices as "disingenuous at best" because "the teacher is in a position of power. Winters' action is was an abuse of this power."
Student Kira Savag-Sangwan, however, said she was "outraged that the invitation was arbitrarily revoked because of the objections of a few. I attended (Wheels of Justice's) presentation in Sacramento. They give not just the Palestinian side, but the peace side. ... (High school students) need to discuss issues that are controversial, if we are expected to become responsible voters."
Norb Kumagai referenced the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, saying, "60 years ago, someone who resembled me would have been considered the voice of terror. ... I encourage you to expand your horizons."
Mariko Yamada, parent and Yolo County supervisor, called for "a clear process by which outside speakers are brought to schools (and) who has input. ... (We have) a dusty old policy that needs to be looked at after 20 years."
Parent Robin Wiener asked that the trustees "look at things like classroom requirements (for events) that students need to attend, versus after-school assemblies. I'm aware that there is some word out there that Wheels of Justice has been invited back in January to speak at the high school. So we need to deal with this sooner rather than later."
Fred Buderi, who comes from Palestinian heritage, said, "I'm glad to hear that (Wheels of Justice) may be coming back; I think it would be a very valuable learning experience."
And Winters spoke, saying, "I don't know if I need a name tag or a target." He added, "I want to assure you that we are moving ahead with a balanced program (for students at the high school), and I will be meeting with members of the Jewish community tomorrow."
- Reach Jeff Hudson at jhudson@davisenterprise.net
Friday, December 19, 2003