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News & ArtsTuesday, September 8, 2009
Politics Bellevue School District: We Didn't Ban Obama's Speech Because We're Right-Wing, Teabagging, Evangelical Racists; We Did It Because We Did Zero Research and We're Beholden to Right-Wing Conspiracy Theories
Posted by Dominic Holden on Tue, Sep 8, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Like a slice of Texas just across the lake from Seattle, the Bellevue School District won't allow its students to watch the president's national address to students this morning. The district's superintendent, Amalia Cudeiro, decided to ban—or at least suspend—classrooms from airing Obama's speech last Friday. She posted a notice on the district's website, stating that "the tape will be made available to any teacher who wants to use it in a balanced discussion, so long as it fits within the education objectives of the class." And she sent district staff a message saying that, when she made the decision, "none of us had seen the script of the speech and we received multiple contacts from parents and community members who were concerned that this was going to be a political speech rather than just a motivational one."
But school district spokeswoman Ann Oxrieder says there was no evidence that the speech would contain inappropriate content. She says, "The text wasn’t up when the decision was made." She reiterated that it was purely a response to parents who believed that Obama "is sending a message that isn’t appropriate for our kids."
Despite the uproar stoked by the radical right, other local school districts didn't block the speech, instead choosing to let parents or students opt out.
Was the Bellevue district concerned that the objections were based on rumors and speculation—and that there was no indication the speech would contain the socialist "indoctrination" messages that Glenn Beck and other right-wing pundits warned it would?
"At that time nobody had time to research," says Oxrieder. "We just knew that people were saying it was going to be a political message. We didn’t know where it was coming from. It was coming from our families."
Oxrieder doesn't know if the school district aired similar addresses to students by former presidents George HW Bush and Ronald Reagan.
"I don’t think there is any reason to worry because we have read the script now," Oxrieder says. Of course, they're still not airing the speech.
3
Oh, so what? Both the Democrats and the Repulicans seem to be taking turns playing "Who's Offended Today." Does everything in this administration have to be a giant issue on both sides?
4
Read the script. If anything, the speech is JFK combined with a guilt trip: don't give up on your education, because if you do, you give up on your country.
Still, I think the speech was well-put.
Still, I think the speech was well-put.
5
jesus fucking christ, bellevue. what about the parents who don't have their undies in a bunch?
us soshlysts had to watch st. ronnie do the same fucking thing.
us soshlysts had to watch st. ronnie do the same fucking thing.
6
Amalia Cudeiro should be fired immediately. @ 2 - completely war against common sense. And no one embracing that should be allowed to be in charge of teaching children.
7
Don't blame school administrators or Republicans. If the White House had nixed the lesson plans and put the released the (innocuous) text of the speech at least a week in advance this whole controversy would have been totally avoided.
9
"Don't blame school administrators or Republicans. If the White House had nixed the lesson plans and put the released the (innocuous) text of the speech at least a week in advance this whole controversy would have been totally avoided."
Oh sunshine, you're so clueless. But keep beaming, sunshine!
Oh sunshine, you're so clueless. But keep beaming, sunshine!
11
"use it in a balanced discussion" in this case meaning someone has to say "don't go to school, stay home and don't wash yourself."
12
Good fucking grief, Bellevue.
I mean, sure, I wasn't the least bit surprised to hear that Texas has yanked the speech. Heaven forbid their little darlings hearing a black man trying to encourage them to do well in school.
But Bellevue? Seriously?
Cudeiro should be fired.
What a dumb ass response. Sure, of course a handful of right-winger parents blindly drinking Glen Beck's spooge are going to object. But the correct response is to allow them to opt out if they don't want their kids to see it. Don't yank it for everyone else, a strong majority of whom voted for Obama in the first place.
I mean, sure, I wasn't the least bit surprised to hear that Texas has yanked the speech. Heaven forbid their little darlings hearing a black man trying to encourage them to do well in school.
But Bellevue? Seriously?
Cudeiro should be fired.
What a dumb ass response. Sure, of course a handful of right-winger parents blindly drinking Glen Beck's spooge are going to object. But the correct response is to allow them to opt out if they don't want their kids to see it. Don't yank it for everyone else, a strong majority of whom voted for Obama in the first place.
14
what i like to see done is give all HS seniors a basic civics exam, basically the same citizenship test they give to foreigners, right before they graduate. Present the results and we'll realize the value of teaching students basic civics. then show those that don't want the president to speak to school children why they need to see him speak. I don't hear mayors, congressmen, senators, or governors giving school children in their districts speeches on the virtues of staying in school.
i'll admit I thought civics class was boring, especially when we had the lengthy, borderline philosophical, discussions we had about the bill of rights and the declaration of independence and how they're basically charters based off other historical documents (ex. magna carter), but later on I came to realize the merits of those discussions.
i'll admit I thought civics class was boring, especially when we had the lengthy, borderline philosophical, discussions we had about the bill of rights and the declaration of independence and how they're basically charters based off other historical documents (ex. magna carter), but later on I came to realize the merits of those discussions.
15
Bellevue's "families" certainly have an inordinate amount of control over school district decisions. Fire Cudeiro. She's apparently unnecessary.
16
My niece started middle school today. She was very aware of last year's election, and participated in every way a 10 year old could.
Her mom voted for Obama, and so did her nana, and her papa, and her neighbors, and her aunt.
I can think of no better way for her to begin a new year than with a pep talk from the President she feels a connection to.
I am in complete agreement with @6.
Her mom voted for Obama, and so did her nana, and her papa, and her neighbors, and her aunt.
I can think of no better way for her to begin a new year than with a pep talk from the President she feels a connection to.
I am in complete agreement with @6.
17
I was just thinking how glad I am that Bellevue is opening The Bravern. Finally, all those soulless motherfuckers will have their very own cathedral.
18
email for cudeiro, please, someone researchy... all i could find was her old hawaii address, which is acudeiro@targetedleadership.net
19
I went to Bellevue schools - grades 1-12. I aways felt I had a quality education, among the best possible in any American public school system.
I now feel the current folks running the school district have disgraced themselves.
After a phone call to the admin. office, I almost cried. They still do not understand the gravity of what they have done.
Quality education caved to the far right in Bellevue, disgrace is the only word.
Paul
Sad, so sad.
I now feel the current folks running the school district have disgraced themselves.
After a phone call to the admin. office, I almost cried. They still do not understand the gravity of what they have done.
Quality education caved to the far right in Bellevue, disgrace is the only word.
Paul
Sad, so sad.
20
Is it just me or shouldn't all students be taught to respect the President of the United States regardless of his politics?
22
@raindrop: THIS WAS A MESSAGE FROM OUR CURRENT PRESIDENT. WTF?!?!?! DO YOU, FOR ONE SECOND, THINK THAT HE WOULD SAY SOMETHING OBJECTIONAL? ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Ok, I am done yelling. Seriously though, does he really have to release a script for review, a week before a speech? OUR PRESIDENT?! You don't think it was reviewed by 1000's of staffers, and if there was 1 iota of problem with it, that immediately there would be people screaming anyway?
BELLEVUE WAS ALREADY MY SWORN ENEMY, BUT NOW.....THIS IS WAR BITCHES.
BELLEVUE WAS ALREADY MY SWORN ENEMY, BUT NOW.....THIS IS WAR BITCHES.
23
Am I the only one who thinks Holden took this a little too far? I don't understand how "letting a teacher decide" equates to banning the speech. I think giving teachers control over their classroom is a good thing.
Also, this is not a reflection of the quality of education in Bellevue. That school district consistently ranks as one of the top districts in the state every year, and in some cases, tops in the nation.
Also, this is not a reflection of the quality of education in Bellevue. That school district consistently ranks as one of the top districts in the state every year, and in some cases, tops in the nation.
24
@raindrop: I don't like Bush, I think he was a terrible, terrible president. But if I had kids in school, and he did a speech for them, I wouldn't fucking care. I wouldn't want to read a script ahead of time. I wouldn't need to. He was the president, and no matter what I found wrong with what he was doing, I know for a fact he would be fine speaking to my children.
Jesus tap-dancing christ.
Jesus tap-dancing christ.
26
Look, Amalia Cudeiro is well aware that should Obama drift off-script and whip it out, then all the boys will instantly go gay, and the girls will never make love to a white man.
WHY DO YOU HATE HETROSECKSHAL WHITE PEOPLE, COMMANDANTE OBAMA???!!!
WHY DO YOU HATE HETROSECKSHAL WHITE PEOPLE, COMMANDANTE OBAMA???!!!
28
@22: A week isn't that far out. It's not like he has to wait for current events to unfold to polish a speech like this.
29
Schools should be teaching critical thinking as a skill. If one of the Bellevue School District top administrators doesn't have that skill, they should be fired.
30
@21: And the fact is that common sense should have told you that no President that values his office would do anything that could be construed in any way as "indoctrinating" children. It also would have told you that Presidents frequently make these sorts of appearances or broadcasts, whether locally or nationally, and they follow pretty much the same "do well, aspire to better things" rhetoric pattern as Obama's speech has.
Of course, what do facts REALLY have to do with this? I mean, after all, the speech is on the record and is nothing that would typically warrant this type of response. So instead of actually contemplating the facts and using any bit of common sense, folks like yourself decided to just assume that the President would be brainwashing kids and put the weight of rational thought on him instead.
Guessing Obama probably knew that would happen!
Of course, what do facts REALLY have to do with this? I mean, after all, the speech is on the record and is nothing that would typically warrant this type of response. So instead of actually contemplating the facts and using any bit of common sense, folks like yourself decided to just assume that the President would be brainwashing kids and put the weight of rational thought on him instead.
Guessing Obama probably knew that would happen!
31
We're in the Monroe School District and the next time someone asks me what it's like to be in a "hick" district I'll tell them I don't know and point them to this. Morons. Amalia Cudeiro should lose her job for this.
33
16
so you voted for Obama and think it's peachy keen for him to connect with the kid.
by your reasoning everyone who voted and supported and worked for someone else is justified to object to the speech.
the speech is not a victory celebration for the winning side.
there are lots of reasons why the speech is a good idea but this isn't one of them.
so you voted for Obama and think it's peachy keen for him to connect with the kid.
by your reasoning everyone who voted and supported and worked for someone else is justified to object to the speech.
the speech is not a victory celebration for the winning side.
there are lots of reasons why the speech is a good idea but this isn't one of them.
34
@30: I never said a I agreed with those think that Obama would be indoctrinating kids - my premise was how to avoid this media kerfuffle. Get it?
35
Bellevue School Board & Sup.
cudeiroa@bsd405.org
marksc@bsd405.org
millsp@bsd405.org
bushnellj@bsd405.org
bentleyp@bsd405.org
murphym@bsd405.org
oxriedera@bsd405.org
cudeiroa@bsd405.org
marksc@bsd405.org
millsp@bsd405.org
bushnellj@bsd405.org
bentleyp@bsd405.org
murphym@bsd405.org
oxriedera@bsd405.org
36
I haven't been following this noise very closely. Just enough to first wish my dear President hadn't decided to do this in the first place. And secondly to recognize the stupidity of the reasons districts are giving for not participating.
As for the first, am I hopelessly naive that it gives me the creeps to have any politician, even one I love, get a direct channel to schoolkids stuck in class? Arguably, all school lessons are more or less infected with government and corporate propaganda, but does something as overt as this have to have malign intent or content to still be by its very nature a bad idea?
Obama's motives and words are benign, but I very much fear the next politician's won't be. Doesn't this open the channel to the kids a little wider?
As to my second thought, I can't help but wonder if/almost hope that some districts are claiming to be bowing to "irrational" pressure just to block this President's--any President's--unfiltered educational access to kids like my niece.
As for the first, am I hopelessly naive that it gives me the creeps to have any politician, even one I love, get a direct channel to schoolkids stuck in class? Arguably, all school lessons are more or less infected with government and corporate propaganda, but does something as overt as this have to have malign intent or content to still be by its very nature a bad idea?
Obama's motives and words are benign, but I very much fear the next politician's won't be. Doesn't this open the channel to the kids a little wider?
As to my second thought, I can't help but wonder if/almost hope that some districts are claiming to be bowing to "irrational" pressure just to block this President's--any President's--unfiltered educational access to kids like my niece.
38
@7: No previous president would have been expected to release the text to a speech to schoolchildren in advance. It's an asinine "new rule".
40
@ 37 - you're bias is so blatant it is undermining your rationality.
Most here absolutely hated Bush - not just for his ideology, but because of how his stupidity played out in the real world - entering us into unwinnable wars, ruining our economy, ruining our reputation around the world, letting our infrastructure collapse, etc, etc - and yet none of us would every expect or push to have a speech of his to children on opening week of school (schools paid for in part by our federal gov't). Obama is the Presidents of the United States of America. I have no problem with you hating his ideology, and if the effects of his actions turn out to be even half as bad as Bush's then I have no problem with you hating his presidency. But like most on the left did, have some respect for the office.
Or do you just hate democracy, our country and our government that much?
Most here absolutely hated Bush - not just for his ideology, but because of how his stupidity played out in the real world - entering us into unwinnable wars, ruining our economy, ruining our reputation around the world, letting our infrastructure collapse, etc, etc - and yet none of us would every expect or push to have a speech of his to children on opening week of school (schools paid for in part by our federal gov't). Obama is the Presidents of the United States of America. I have no problem with you hating his ideology, and if the effects of his actions turn out to be even half as bad as Bush's then I have no problem with you hating his presidency. But like most on the left did, have some respect for the office.
Or do you just hate democracy, our country and our government that much?
41
#23
Well dear poster - Bellevue just dropped to the quality of some nice place in Alabama.
It is disrespect to the President, and catering to right wing nut politics and censorhsip.
There should have been NO discussion when the President, a model father, wishes to address the school children of America.
Such bunch of fools running a noted quality public school system.
Future Bellevue grads will be welcomed at Bob Jones or Liberty Bell Colleges.
Paul
Well dear poster - Bellevue just dropped to the quality of some nice place in Alabama.
It is disrespect to the President, and catering to right wing nut politics and censorhsip.
There should have been NO discussion when the President, a model father, wishes to address the school children of America.
Such bunch of fools running a noted quality public school system.
Future Bellevue grads will be welcomed at Bob Jones or Liberty Bell Colleges.
Paul
42
I saw an awful pair of bumper stickers on a Lexus SUV yesterday:
"Don't spread my wealth, spread my work ethic"
and
"A government who can give you everything you want is strong enough to take it away from you."
"Don't spread my wealth, spread my work ethic"
and
"A government who can give you everything you want is strong enough to take it away from you."
43
I assume that "balanced discussion" means talking about whether Obama is a card-carrying Communist, or just a sympathizer. The "message that isn't appropriate for our kids" is, of course, "work hard and stay in school". My god, the man is trying to destroy America.
44
A modicum of research by the Bellevue superintendent would've revealed that the Obama critics had no rational basis for believing that his speech was somehow inappropriate.
Her knee-jerk reaction to ignorance; or perhaps I should say her ignorant reaction to ignorance, is truly remarkable -- and not encouraging for parents of children in that district.
Her knee-jerk reaction to ignorance; or perhaps I should say her ignorant reaction to ignorance, is truly remarkable -- and not encouraging for parents of children in that district.
45
@41 - You missed the point of my original post which was I don't see how giving the teacher option to discuss equates to right wing conspiracy/religious freaks/nazi banning comparisons.
Should it have been shown? Yes, he's the President. Does the decision to give the teacher the option mean that the Bellevue school district is now the shitty? Of course not. If you think the answer is yes, we will SURELY see a drop in their rankings this year, won't we? But somehow I doubt that will be the case and your argument will still remain more flacid than Savage's penis when he is reading a Playboy.
The thing is, we're all reactionists. So when your guy, Obama, gets snubbed you get pissy and beging making unfair and unrealistic comparisons. I understand that and am guilty of it as well. I'm simply trying to interject some less-emotional thought into this conversation.
Should it have been shown? Yes, he's the President. Does the decision to give the teacher the option mean that the Bellevue school district is now the shitty? Of course not. If you think the answer is yes, we will SURELY see a drop in their rankings this year, won't we? But somehow I doubt that will be the case and your argument will still remain more flacid than Savage's penis when he is reading a Playboy.
The thing is, we're all reactionists. So when your guy, Obama, gets snubbed you get pissy and beging making unfair and unrealistic comparisons. I understand that and am guilty of it as well. I'm simply trying to interject some less-emotional thought into this conversation.
46
I would love to see this presidential message used in classes to foster a discussion of what-the-fuck-is-wrong-with-people.
47
in what fucking universe is the president going to say something inappropriate for school children in a speech????
49
I'm a mom in Bellevue, (but in the Renton school district) but I know a lot of other moms in Bellevue, and believe me, they are pissed at the Bellevue school district for not showing the speech.
51
Past Presidents weren't required to preview their speeches to school children, so, why should Obama. This "media kerfuffle" was created solely by the right wing-nuts.
52
Many school district admins across the board often censor by default anything that's the least bit controversial. I would know because I went to a high school where the administration did so. It's one of the failings of our public school system.
As for the controversy issue... yes, total run-with-it fabrication by a lot of parties. Media and public manipulation is worse than ever.
As for the controversy issue... yes, total run-with-it fabrication by a lot of parties. Media and public manipulation is worse than ever.
53
@19 I attended Bellevue public schools as well, K-12, and couldn't agree with you more. My sister's kid is in the Issaquah school district and this is the notice she received last week...
As you may have heard, next Tuesday President Obama will address students directly about the importance of education. The U.S. Secretary of Education and Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction have each asked local districts to inform schools about this event. In the Issaquah School District, classroom teachers have been given the option to show the President’s address—via online streaming, CSPAN, or a recorded version—if it fits into the context of their lessons for the day. The address is non-political in nature and—as delivered by the national government’s executive leader—a historic event. Teachers are expected to present the speech like any other real-world example of U.S. civics in action (which is a District-wide student learning goal). Any teacher who chooses to air the address will do so objectively and in context of the curriculum without expressing personal viewpoints. As always, parents can contact their teacher if they want their child to participate in an alternative activity. More information about the President’s address is on the U.S. Department of Education’s webpage, where the full text of the speech should be posted by Monday.
As you may have heard, next Tuesday President Obama will address students directly about the importance of education. The U.S. Secretary of Education and Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction have each asked local districts to inform schools about this event. In the Issaquah School District, classroom teachers have been given the option to show the President’s address—via online streaming, CSPAN, or a recorded version—if it fits into the context of their lessons for the day. The address is non-political in nature and—as delivered by the national government’s executive leader—a historic event. Teachers are expected to present the speech like any other real-world example of U.S. civics in action (which is a District-wide student learning goal). Any teacher who chooses to air the address will do so objectively and in context of the curriculum without expressing personal viewpoints. As always, parents can contact their teacher if they want their child to participate in an alternative activity. More information about the President’s address is on the U.S. Department of Education’s webpage, where the full text of the speech should be posted by Monday.
56
It's exactly like the health care "debate" : Fox News issues marching orders to their tiny army of faithful dittoheads and brownshirts, they all bray and cry and piss and moan about how they're being "oppressed," the rest of the media picks up the story because, hey, everybody loves a circus, and next thing you know these completely asinine people have bullied their way into actually getting their way.
If you give a child an ice cream cone to stop him from throwing a tantrum, that kid is gonna keep throwing tantrums for the rest of his life. A kid like that apparently grows up to be a Glen Beck fan.
If you give a child an ice cream cone to stop him from throwing a tantrum, that kid is gonna keep throwing tantrums for the rest of his life. A kid like that apparently grows up to be a Glen Beck fan.
57
Washington Post has an online chat about this starting at Noon Pacific Time (3 PM EST).
It's on their main page - and live.
It's on their main page - and live.
59
If President Obama is so effective at brainwashing kids, they should schedule time for him to broadcast a series of readings from a geometry book. Or maybe they don't teach geometry in Bellevue because of all the "theorems"?
62
Mr. Xxxxxx,
Thanks for your email and for voicing your concerns. We applaud President Obama’s message to school children to work hard, stay in school and not settle for anything less than the best possible education. It fully supports our school district’s two goals and priorities of ending the achievement gap and extending learning for all students.
While we acknowledge that the process we put in place was one some of our school community members opposed, we felt the need to take a cautious approach in order to address all voices. We have strongly encouraged all of our teachers to include the speech in their instructional plans, and we have posted it on our website for easy access. Our intent has never been to censor our President’s speech but ensure that it be used as an instructional tool imbedded in our curriculum. We apologize to those of you who may have been offended by this decision and we encourage everyone to watch the speech with your children if you are a parent and with your students if you are a teacher.
Amalia Cudeiro
Thanks for your email and for voicing your concerns. We applaud President Obama’s message to school children to work hard, stay in school and not settle for anything less than the best possible education. It fully supports our school district’s two goals and priorities of ending the achievement gap and extending learning for all students.
While we acknowledge that the process we put in place was one some of our school community members opposed, we felt the need to take a cautious approach in order to address all voices. We have strongly encouraged all of our teachers to include the speech in their instructional plans, and we have posted it on our website for easy access. Our intent has never been to censor our President’s speech but ensure that it be used as an instructional tool imbedded in our curriculum. We apologize to those of you who may have been offended by this decision and we encourage everyone to watch the speech with your children if you are a parent and with your students if you are a teacher.
Amalia Cudeiro
63
One other thought: I wonder if any of the schools around that country that didn't allow the Obama broadcast also allow advertising-supported "news" to flow into their school t.v. sets? I remember this controversy from many years ago, and I wonder if districts like Bellevue require that they screen every one of these broadcasts before they're aired?
64
Here's some perspective from my dad, who has lived in Bellevue for 47 years:
"Last spring I attended the public interviews of the three candidates for the position of Superintendent of the Bellevue School District. After the interviews one of the candidates dropped out. My choice of the three was the current Superintendent of the Vancouver School District. Dr. Cudeiro came from a private educational company of which she was a partner...
In July several members of my Board (small private foundation) and myself met with Dr. Cudeiro to explore areas of collaboration between (our project) and the BSD. I walked away from the meeting underwhelmed. My initial reaction is that Dr. Cudeiro is in over her head. I am not surprised to see unnecessary flaps. To see one over a President's speech on education is ridiculous. My frame of reference is that any time FDR made a daytime speech, the whole student body of P.S. 14 (in NY City) was herded into the auditorium to hear the speech, by radio of course.
The president is a politician. It could be argued that any word spoken by the President is political regardless of the subject. Every word, sentence, speech, writing, position etc. has a political effect. Does that mean the BSD will put a black-out on any mention of the President? To outlaw the viewing and hearing of the speech without having any idea of the contents is absurd.
"Last spring I attended the public interviews of the three candidates for the position of Superintendent of the Bellevue School District. After the interviews one of the candidates dropped out. My choice of the three was the current Superintendent of the Vancouver School District. Dr. Cudeiro came from a private educational company of which she was a partner...
In July several members of my Board (small private foundation) and myself met with Dr. Cudeiro to explore areas of collaboration between (our project) and the BSD. I walked away from the meeting underwhelmed. My initial reaction is that Dr. Cudeiro is in over her head. I am not surprised to see unnecessary flaps. To see one over a President's speech on education is ridiculous. My frame of reference is that any time FDR made a daytime speech, the whole student body of P.S. 14 (in NY City) was herded into the auditorium to hear the speech, by radio of course.
The president is a politician. It could be argued that any word spoken by the President is political regardless of the subject. Every word, sentence, speech, writing, position etc. has a political effect. Does that mean the BSD will put a black-out on any mention of the President? To outlaw the viewing and hearing of the speech without having any idea of the contents is absurd.
65
Here's my response to Ms. Cuderio:
"Ms. Cuderio,
Thank you for your prompt reply, although the content leaves me with more questions than answers.
You state:
"While we acknowledge that the process we put in place was one some of our school community members opposed, we felt the need to take a cautious approach in order to address all voices."
I am curious as to what "voices" those might be?
Would they be voices that oppose "ending the achievement gap and extending learning for all students"?
Would they be voices that question the legitimacy of Barack Obama as an American Citizen and call his right to be elected President into question?
Would it be the voices who stridently label this President as, cumulatively and in no particular order a communist, socilaist, liberal, racist, nazi and worse.
Whatever and whomever these voices are, the person or persons who passed this decision to you to implement would do well to examine the motives behind these "voices" and and consider yet again just what sort of message this type of censorship...yes, censorship...sends to the impressionable student body, particularly those who see this in President and his inspiring personal story of hard work, sacrifice and dedication to education and now to the public good a real reason to persevere against long odds.
Good luck managing your District's self-induced controversy regarding this matter.
Mr. Maxi-meee"
"Ms. Cuderio,
Thank you for your prompt reply, although the content leaves me with more questions than answers.
You state:
"While we acknowledge that the process we put in place was one some of our school community members opposed, we felt the need to take a cautious approach in order to address all voices."
I am curious as to what "voices" those might be?
Would they be voices that oppose "ending the achievement gap and extending learning for all students"?
Would they be voices that question the legitimacy of Barack Obama as an American Citizen and call his right to be elected President into question?
Would it be the voices who stridently label this President as, cumulatively and in no particular order a communist, socilaist, liberal, racist, nazi and worse.
Whatever and whomever these voices are, the person or persons who passed this decision to you to implement would do well to examine the motives behind these "voices" and and consider yet again just what sort of message this type of censorship...yes, censorship...sends to the impressionable student body, particularly those who see this in President and his inspiring personal story of hard work, sacrifice and dedication to education and now to the public good a real reason to persevere against long odds.
Good luck managing your District's self-induced controversy regarding this matter.
Mr. Maxi-meee"
66
@11 FTW. "Balanced discussion"? What would be the counterpoint? Just as the teabaggers are not really interested in health care, Cudeiro isn't really interested in the content of his speech. She just hates black people.
"...the tape will be made available to any teacher who wants to use it in a balanced discussion, so long as it fits within the education objectives of the class."
What kind of class would qualify? What kind of class debates the benefits of staying in school? This statement could easily deny the "tape" to any class.
"...the tape will be made available to any teacher who wants to use it in a balanced discussion, so long as it fits within the education objectives of the class."
What kind of class would qualify? What kind of class debates the benefits of staying in school? This statement could easily deny the "tape" to any class.
69
My letter:
To the Bellevue School District Board of Directors:
You should all be ashamed and embarrassed to have taken such an unpatriotic and damaging stance regarding the speech delivered by the President of the United States of America today. There is absolutely no excuse for not allowing your children to be part of this historic speech. Did you really think that the President's speech was going to contain inappropriate material? Are you that credulous? You have a responsibility to the children of your district to teach, not to censor. A speech from the president to the children of America is an incredible teaching opportunity which you chose to deny your charges.
Shame on you.
I received the same form letter as maxi-me @62 and responded with this:
Ms. Cudeiro,
Thank you for your response. I think it is very important that in future you consider the message that not allowing the children to see the speech in real time sends. It sends a message of distrust in our President and his office. It sends a message that somehow his words, words specifically aimed for them, have to be reviewed before they are allowed to be presented. How can that be viewed in any other way than distrust? Not everyone needs to agree with the president, but respect of the office at least, if not the man, is necessary to keep this nation united in these difficult times.
Our President is a great believer in community and watching the speech together -- teachers and students -- across the country was an act of community. You denied your schools that moment of national community. In future, please think greater.
To the Bellevue School District Board of Directors:
You should all be ashamed and embarrassed to have taken such an unpatriotic and damaging stance regarding the speech delivered by the President of the United States of America today. There is absolutely no excuse for not allowing your children to be part of this historic speech. Did you really think that the President's speech was going to contain inappropriate material? Are you that credulous? You have a responsibility to the children of your district to teach, not to censor. A speech from the president to the children of America is an incredible teaching opportunity which you chose to deny your charges.
Shame on you.
I received the same form letter as maxi-me @62 and responded with this:
Ms. Cudeiro,
Thank you for your response. I think it is very important that in future you consider the message that not allowing the children to see the speech in real time sends. It sends a message of distrust in our President and his office. It sends a message that somehow his words, words specifically aimed for them, have to be reviewed before they are allowed to be presented. How can that be viewed in any other way than distrust? Not everyone needs to agree with the president, but respect of the office at least, if not the man, is necessary to keep this nation united in these difficult times.
Our President is a great believer in community and watching the speech together -- teachers and students -- across the country was an act of community. You denied your schools that moment of national community. In future, please think greater.
70
By the way, Raindrop -- a great way for this "kerfuffle" to have been avoided would have been for those responsible for calling into question the "motivation" of the president to have kept their tin-foil hats on. Of course, it's easy to call them crazy. The truth is, they are trying to undermine the presidency. On purpose. Doesn't that worry you?
71
Thanks, Conchise, for the info. I'm sure I'll r'cv the form letter soon, but it felt good anyway.
72
My 14 year old wrote to Cudiero as well. He has received no reply, form letter or other.
Superintendent Cudeiro,
My father recently asked you about your decision to not allow President Obama to speak to the students of Bellevue on September 8th. In your response, you stated that since you had not seen the 'script' of the President's address, you could not allow it to be broadcast live in Bellevue Public Schools. My question to you is, when in the past has a sitting President ever been asked for a script? Is it usual for a President to be screened like this? Can you show another time when something like this happened?
I may be only fourteen, but it is difficult for me to understand why you think you should have the authority to pick and choose the President's words. The people opposed to this I think are opposed based on racism. Do you think your decision promotes racism?
Sincerely,
XXXXX
I'm pretty sure she is too much of a coward to answer at this point.
Superintendent Cudeiro,
My father recently asked you about your decision to not allow President Obama to speak to the students of Bellevue on September 8th. In your response, you stated that since you had not seen the 'script' of the President's address, you could not allow it to be broadcast live in Bellevue Public Schools. My question to you is, when in the past has a sitting President ever been asked for a script? Is it usual for a President to be screened like this? Can you show another time when something like this happened?
I may be only fourteen, but it is difficult for me to understand why you think you should have the authority to pick and choose the President's words. The people opposed to this I think are opposed based on racism. Do you think your decision promotes racism?
Sincerely,
XXXXX
I'm pretty sure she is too much of a coward to answer at this point.
73
Yeah, I'm not sure she'd do anything with an e-mail from Pol Pot Jr other than to trash it ;P
Seriously, though, I'm not sure the e-mail addy given is checked all that much at this point now that she's on the BSD payroll. We need an updated e-mail... you'd think the Superintendent of a school district would have one prominently featured somewhere.
Seriously, though, I'm not sure the e-mail addy given is checked all that much at this point now that she's on the BSD payroll. We need an updated e-mail... you'd think the Superintendent of a school district would have one prominently featured somewhere.
75
Obama has done a poor job of controlling the right-wing-nutjob spin machine. Raindrop is right about one thing - he could have nipped this in the bud by releasing the text earlier, but instead he let it boil over for a week. PR common sense is something Obama has been lacking lately. (See health care.)
But maybe that's his strategy: let the nutjobs expose themselves as such and in doing so divide the the Republican party into two camps. It doesn't hurt the Democrats that the loudest voices on the right are the ones spewing nonsense on Fox, as opposed to, say, actual party leadership.
But maybe that's his strategy: let the nutjobs expose themselves as such and in doing so divide the the Republican party into two camps. It doesn't hurt the Democrats that the loudest voices on the right are the ones spewing nonsense on Fox, as opposed to, say, actual party leadership.
76
Raindrop - you probably have a hard time accepting this, but your question by itself is what shows your bias. As maxi-mee points out, why should the President of the USA be required to give out his speech in advance just because some whacko fringe groups complain that the speech by the President might corrupt our youth.
No President should be required to do that any more than he should be required to make his birth certificate public.
I know you are keen on supporting the far right ( you support Susan Hutchison at least), so I assume you don't like Obama's politics. But please, at least have some respect for the office of the President.
No President should be required to do that any more than he should be required to make his birth certificate public.
I know you are keen on supporting the far right ( you support Susan Hutchison at least), so I assume you don't like Obama's politics. But please, at least have some respect for the office of the President.
77
I read about this decision this weekend and I still find it deplorable and shocking. BSD doesn't have the needs of children first, just the fund-raising efforts, I'm guessing, of a few well-connected parents (who must feel delightfully smug right now). I truly hope Bellevue parents protested this, as all this decision teaches children is anti-Americanism, bigotry and lack of intelligence.
78
@raindrop - this media kerfluffle (your evident concern is ever-so-touching) could've been avoided had the fringe right given the office of the President the respect it deserves (and we were told about so many times in the last eight years). And, if that wasn't possible, then the non-fringe right, someone like you claim to be, told those people to shut the fuck up.
Instead you're making excuses for the and putting the blame on the President. What a sorry bunch of people you and your party are.
Instead you're making excuses for the and putting the blame on the President. What a sorry bunch of people you and your party are.
79
@78 - you are naive. Obama screwed up by letting this spin out of control, just like he screwed up by letting the health care debate spin out of control. His PR machine has no clue on how to deal with the fringe right, and because of that, there probably won't be a public health care option. And because of that, a bunch of parents out there actually believe he's a menace to their children.
Of course no president should be required to preview a speech to school kids. But when there is bat-shit crazy speculation about what's going to be in the speech for two weeks leading up to it, quelling that speculation as soon as possible is just smart politics.
Obama needs to learn how to nullify the fringe right, and so far, mostly, he has failed.
Of course no president should be required to preview a speech to school kids. But when there is bat-shit crazy speculation about what's going to be in the speech for two weeks leading up to it, quelling that speculation as soon as possible is just smart politics.
Obama needs to learn how to nullify the fringe right, and so far, mostly, he has failed.
80
This is not a defense of the super, but has anyone given a thought to the kind of uproar she had to have been subjected to by the RW Nutjobs? You have seen these people on TV at town hall meetings and various other events. Do you want that going on outside your school if you're trying to keep order? Do you want to have to call in the cops because a nutcase brings a rifle to a demonstration outside your school? Do you want every wacko from miles outside your area sending hate mail and death threats?
These ARE standard techniques for these people. They are hysterics or they wouldn't be calling and demanding that the speech not be shown Living in Bellevue does not confer immunity from insanity or fanaticism
These ARE standard techniques for these people. They are hysterics or they wouldn't be calling and demanding that the speech not be shown Living in Bellevue does not confer immunity from insanity or fanaticism
81
As a bellevue school district employee, I can provide you with Amalia's actual comments to teachers... I plan on showing the speech to my class tomorrow.
"I hope all of you are enjoying your week-end despite the occasional rain we are facing-I am e-mailing you to make sure you have enough information to address any parent or community concerns regarding our President’s speech tomorrow, Tuesday September 8th at your schools and/or offices.
I must tell you that the number of calls and e-mails that we have received since last Wednesday related to this issue have been staggering and quite unexpected. Regardless of the response we provide or the position that we take as a district, we are not going to please everyone because right or wrong many community members, parents, and staff are looking at this event through a political lens.
Following is the statement that I have been using with the community when responding to e-mails or concerns. I would suggest that you use this frame and adjust it to meet each situation.
Thank you for your input; we always appreciate hearing from our parents and community members. As indicated on our Bellevue School district website, our curriculum department will be recording our President’s speech. It is our understanding that the President will be advising students to work hard in school, persist, and stay focused on achieving educational goals. However, as of Friday, September 4th, none of us had seen the script of the speech and we received multiple contacts from parents and community members who were concerned that this was going to be a political speech rather than just a motivational one. As a result, and given the short notice, we decided to take the more cautious response. Once the speech is recorded, teachers will be able to access the recording and determine the appropriateness of the presentation for their students’ age level and content. If the message is mainly motivational, we will encourage teachers to share it with all students, as it would then directly connect with one of our district-wide goals, closing the achievement gap. The President’s speech will be posted on the district website as well, for parents who might wish to view it and discuss it with their children.
Personally and as a district, we support and applaud the President’s effort to give a motivational speech to the students in our nation, especially since it supports one of our primary goals of eliminating the achievement gap. After we view the recording, if we determine it is not a political message, we will strongly encourage all staff to use the recording of the speech with students. It is not our intent to censor anyone from viewing or using the speech in an instructional environment. However, if any student or parent requests not to view or have their child view the speech, schools will need to provide an alternative instructional activity for that student.
Thanks for all of your great efforts on a very successful first week,
Amalia"
More...
"I hope all of you are enjoying your week-end despite the occasional rain we are facing-I am e-mailing you to make sure you have enough information to address any parent or community concerns regarding our President’s speech tomorrow, Tuesday September 8th at your schools and/or offices.
I must tell you that the number of calls and e-mails that we have received since last Wednesday related to this issue have been staggering and quite unexpected. Regardless of the response we provide or the position that we take as a district, we are not going to please everyone because right or wrong many community members, parents, and staff are looking at this event through a political lens.
Following is the statement that I have been using with the community when responding to e-mails or concerns. I would suggest that you use this frame and adjust it to meet each situation.
Thank you for your input; we always appreciate hearing from our parents and community members. As indicated on our Bellevue School district website, our curriculum department will be recording our President’s speech. It is our understanding that the President will be advising students to work hard in school, persist, and stay focused on achieving educational goals. However, as of Friday, September 4th, none of us had seen the script of the speech and we received multiple contacts from parents and community members who were concerned that this was going to be a political speech rather than just a motivational one. As a result, and given the short notice, we decided to take the more cautious response. Once the speech is recorded, teachers will be able to access the recording and determine the appropriateness of the presentation for their students’ age level and content. If the message is mainly motivational, we will encourage teachers to share it with all students, as it would then directly connect with one of our district-wide goals, closing the achievement gap. The President’s speech will be posted on the district website as well, for parents who might wish to view it and discuss it with their children.
Personally and as a district, we support and applaud the President’s effort to give a motivational speech to the students in our nation, especially since it supports one of our primary goals of eliminating the achievement gap. After we view the recording, if we determine it is not a political message, we will strongly encourage all staff to use the recording of the speech with students. It is not our intent to censor anyone from viewing or using the speech in an instructional environment. However, if any student or parent requests not to view or have their child view the speech, schools will need to provide an alternative instructional activity for that student.
Thanks for all of your great efforts on a very successful first week,
Amalia"
82
Renton School District went live with the address, allowing teachers to view the message if they choose. Good decision making and autonomy for professional educators. Ahead of the Curve!
83
you guys all remember that "raindrop" is a troll like "Lord Basil", "PC" and "Will in Seattle, right?
85
@80, thousands of schools showed this video without a single incident. The right is all bark an no bite. Well, except when they kill the occasional family-planning doctor. But subjecting yourself to stupidity out of fear of reprisal - that isn't a good lesson for children.
86
Well, you have to give it to the rightwing nutjobs: they have done another "Mission accomplished".
87
@mitten - I totally agree with you...this has definitely taken me by surprise as both my sons attend schools in Bellevue...actually very sad...I just moved here from N.Y & can't believe this...very disappointed ... everyone can argue this or that...but the true reason why this has happened is because President Obama is black (half... mind you but nevertheless) If it had been any other president the speech wouldn't have been scrutinized & blocked....
89
xxxbsdxxx - Surely you don't fall for that convulted bit of CYA pablum, do you?
Let's break it down:
"I must tell you that the number of calls and e-mails that we have received since last Wednesday related to this issue have been staggering and quite unexpected."
We live in a bubble. We don't read the paper or watch the news. Sorry.
"I would suggest that you use this frame"
Toe the line, peons. That is an order.
"It is our understanding that the President will be advising students to work hard in school, persist, and stay focused on achieving educational goals. However, as of Friday, September 4th, none of us had seen the script of the speech and we received multiple contacts from parents and community members who were concerned that this was going to be a political speech rather than just a motivational one"
We have no actual reason to be opposed to this, but the Glenn Beck Fan Club won't leave us alone, so we're going to pretend that it is normal for the POTUS to send out scripts ahead of time for approval, and, uh, ours got lost in the mail. or something...
"If the message is mainly motivational... "
Not that we think it WON'T be, but, uh... the President's a negro, and...
"After we view the recording, if we determine it is not a political message..."
...you know, you just can't trust those people around white children.
So xxxbsdxxx, any questions?
Let's break it down:
"I must tell you that the number of calls and e-mails that we have received since last Wednesday related to this issue have been staggering and quite unexpected."
We live in a bubble. We don't read the paper or watch the news. Sorry.
"I would suggest that you use this frame"
Toe the line, peons. That is an order.
"It is our understanding that the President will be advising students to work hard in school, persist, and stay focused on achieving educational goals. However, as of Friday, September 4th, none of us had seen the script of the speech and we received multiple contacts from parents and community members who were concerned that this was going to be a political speech rather than just a motivational one"
We have no actual reason to be opposed to this, but the Glenn Beck Fan Club won't leave us alone, so we're going to pretend that it is normal for the POTUS to send out scripts ahead of time for approval, and, uh, ours got lost in the mail. or something...
"If the message is mainly motivational... "
Not that we think it WON'T be, but, uh... the President's a negro, and...
"After we view the recording, if we determine it is not a political message..."
...you know, you just can't trust those people around white children.
So xxxbsdxxx, any questions?
90
@ 80 - I understand your point. BUT - every time people in positions of authority, like Cudeiro, wuss out because a couple of teabaggers sent them some typo filled rant, IT VALIDATES THEM. That is why they are becoming more bold. compare Cudiero's letter to this one, from Westport CT.
Dear Parent:
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, duly elected by the people of the United States, will be addressing our Nation’s children on Tuesday, September 8. In so doing, our President, like his earlier predecessor, George H.W. Bush, will be delivering an important message to the young people of our great country that calls on them to do their best in school by working hard so they can be successful in their personal lives and in the global environment in which they will live and that will challenge them in every way in the years to come.
As Superintendent of Schools, I am pleased that the President of the United States will be taking time from his busy schedule to deliver this important message to our students.
I have instructed our building principals and classroom teachers at all school levels that I am fully supportive of having them integrate the message of the President of the United States into their lessons on Tuesday, or on any subsequent date. Toward this end, we will be televising President Obama’s speech, video streaming it, or recording it on DVDs for teacher use. I anticipate that our professional administrative and teaching staffs will incorporate the President’s presentation into classroom instruction in the best way possible to enhance this learning opportunity for our students.
As the integration of the President’s speech into our instructional practice will constitute a vital learning experience for all our children, it is my expectation that any child in any class where the President’s speech is incorporated into instruction will be a part of that instructional activity. Being a part of an instructional activity means that the child can participate fully or elect not to participate fully while remaining in the classroom, as would be the case with virtually any instructional activity.
Thank you for cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely yours,
Elliott Landon
Superintendent of Schools
Westport, CT
Let's break that down:
"The President of the United States, Barack Obama, duly elected by the people of the United States, will be addressing our Nation’s children on Tuesday..."
Hey, birthers, I got your stupid fucking e-mails. Obama won the fucking election and he was born in the US, and he's going to give a speech - get over it.
"...our President, like his earlier predecessor, George H.W. Bush, will be delivering an important message to the young people..."
Did you assholes complain then?
"As Superintendent of Schools, I am pleased that the President of the United States will be taking time from his busy schedule to deliver this important message to our students."
Oh, and another thing - this is my job, not yours. So SYFP
"I have instructed our building principals and classroom teachers at all school levels that I am fully supportive of having them integrate the message of the President of the United States into their lessons on Tuesday, or on any subsequent date. Toward this end, we will be televising President Obama’s speech, video streaming it, or recording it on DVDs for teacher use. I anticipate that our professional administrative and teaching staffs will incorporate the President’s presentation into classroom instruction in the best way possible to enhance this learning opportunity for our students."
So let's be very clear, you teabagging wonder-morons - The show goes on. I respect my staff and give them the autonomy to decide how best to incorporate this event into their individual lesson plans. They may choose to view it live, or taped. They may watch it today or tomorrow. But if and when they do, your child will sit in his seat and behave like a civilized person.
That is the proper response.
More...
Dear Parent:
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, duly elected by the people of the United States, will be addressing our Nation’s children on Tuesday, September 8. In so doing, our President, like his earlier predecessor, George H.W. Bush, will be delivering an important message to the young people of our great country that calls on them to do their best in school by working hard so they can be successful in their personal lives and in the global environment in which they will live and that will challenge them in every way in the years to come.
As Superintendent of Schools, I am pleased that the President of the United States will be taking time from his busy schedule to deliver this important message to our students.
I have instructed our building principals and classroom teachers at all school levels that I am fully supportive of having them integrate the message of the President of the United States into their lessons on Tuesday, or on any subsequent date. Toward this end, we will be televising President Obama’s speech, video streaming it, or recording it on DVDs for teacher use. I anticipate that our professional administrative and teaching staffs will incorporate the President’s presentation into classroom instruction in the best way possible to enhance this learning opportunity for our students.
As the integration of the President’s speech into our instructional practice will constitute a vital learning experience for all our children, it is my expectation that any child in any class where the President’s speech is incorporated into instruction will be a part of that instructional activity. Being a part of an instructional activity means that the child can participate fully or elect not to participate fully while remaining in the classroom, as would be the case with virtually any instructional activity.
Thank you for cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely yours,
Elliott Landon
Superintendent of Schools
Westport, CT
Let's break that down:
"The President of the United States, Barack Obama, duly elected by the people of the United States, will be addressing our Nation’s children on Tuesday..."
Hey, birthers, I got your stupid fucking e-mails. Obama won the fucking election and he was born in the US, and he's going to give a speech - get over it.
"...our President, like his earlier predecessor, George H.W. Bush, will be delivering an important message to the young people..."
Did you assholes complain then?
"As Superintendent of Schools, I am pleased that the President of the United States will be taking time from his busy schedule to deliver this important message to our students."
Oh, and another thing - this is my job, not yours. So SYFP
"I have instructed our building principals and classroom teachers at all school levels that I am fully supportive of having them integrate the message of the President of the United States into their lessons on Tuesday, or on any subsequent date. Toward this end, we will be televising President Obama’s speech, video streaming it, or recording it on DVDs for teacher use. I anticipate that our professional administrative and teaching staffs will incorporate the President’s presentation into classroom instruction in the best way possible to enhance this learning opportunity for our students."
So let's be very clear, you teabagging wonder-morons - The show goes on. I respect my staff and give them the autonomy to decide how best to incorporate this event into their individual lesson plans. They may choose to view it live, or taped. They may watch it today or tomorrow. But if and when they do, your child will sit in his seat and behave like a civilized person.
That is the proper response.
91
This means war. Fuck these psychos. Get ready staunch liberals of the U.S.A. because really, if we think this is insane (conservatives freaking out that their sitting president is giving a fairly conservative speech to K-12 students) then imagine how these openly anti-academic morons will react to everything else between now and the next few major election cycles. The Palin/Beck/Limbaugh right are giving it all they've got but liberals who love this country, who voted for Obama, are clearly not fighting back hard enough.
I BEG the Stranger to triple their coverage of local and national political issues, in light of how much this minority of crazies is bogging down this country. This isn't some same ol' same ol' shit, this hysteria is just getting crazier and crazier with no end in sight unless there's more pushback
What are we going to do about it, just sit here?
I BEG the Stranger to triple their coverage of local and national political issues, in light of how much this minority of crazies is bogging down this country. This isn't some same ol' same ol' shit, this hysteria is just getting crazier and crazier with no end in sight unless there's more pushback
What are we going to do about it, just sit here?
92
A "message that isn’t appropriate for our kids."???
What, were they afraid that Obama would go all Barry White on America's schoolchildren?
What, were they afraid that Obama would go all Barry White on America's schoolchildren?
93
This is really the most egregious statement made by Cudiero:
"Regardless of the response we provide or the position that we take as a district, we are not going to please everyone..."
Hey, Cudiero, your job isn't to "please everyone". Your job is to use your Harvard educated brainpan to make decisions based on facts, rational analysis and critical thinking. Since you are unable to do that, it calls into question your ability to impart those skills to the students you were hired to lead.
Looks like Bellevue made a very bad choice when they hired you.
"Regardless of the response we provide or the position that we take as a district, we are not going to please everyone..."
Hey, Cudiero, your job isn't to "please everyone". Your job is to use your Harvard educated brainpan to make decisions based on facts, rational analysis and critical thinking. Since you are unable to do that, it calls into question your ability to impart those skills to the students you were hired to lead.
Looks like Bellevue made a very bad choice when they hired you.
94
@92 that would have been awesome...I'm picturing a disco ball coming down and Obama crooning "Never Never Gonna Give You Up"
95
@19 & 53 - You folks must have been in the Bellevue schools before or after I went through because my experience (Sammamish class of '97) was totally different. In elementary school and middle school it was great, though only because I was in the PRISM program for supergeeks. Once I got to high school, it was awful. The courses were not challenging, administration resisted my efforts to get into higher level classes even when I had teacher support, and the counselors harassed students who didn't meet normative standards for appearance and attitude, even if we were achieving at an extremely high level. (Really, I'd seen a preview of this in many of my middle school electives.)
If you were a straight skinny white Christian girl or a straight athletic white Christian boy (and neurotypical on both counts), you were fine. Deviate on one or two counts and you could get by as long as you made an effort to otherwise assimilate. Assert unconventional beliefs in any way, and your entire school experience became a fight.
This doesn't surprise me at all coming from Bellevue schools. They have long been conservative and more than happy to kiss the asses of the sort of wealthy white PTA mommies who wouldn't want their kids soiled by the words of a black president.
If you were a straight skinny white Christian girl or a straight athletic white Christian boy (and neurotypical on both counts), you were fine. Deviate on one or two counts and you could get by as long as you made an effort to otherwise assimilate. Assert unconventional beliefs in any way, and your entire school experience became a fight.
This doesn't surprise me at all coming from Bellevue schools. They have long been conservative and more than happy to kiss the asses of the sort of wealthy white PTA mommies who wouldn't want their kids soiled by the words of a black president.
97
You guys act like you've never been to Bellevue before. It's Republican territory through and through, it's super white, tight, Christian and totally fucking boring. Lots of neighborhoods with names like "Forrest Hills" where all the houses look exactly the same and they look at you funny for driving down their street if they don't recognize you, especially if you aren't white. Every time I have to go there I want shoot myself in the head, I can't back to the city too soon. To me this story should not be a surprise at all, it's par for the course, there is a reason why people refer to it as Hellevue.
98
I know I'm coming VERY late to this thread, but I want to offer thanks to the additional information and especially Cudiero's direct e-mail provided in it. An hour ago I was instructed to send my e-mail to pubinfo@bsd405.org and put "Dr. Amalia Cudiero" in the subject line. I actually said, "You're kidding me, right? She's not giving out her EMAIL ADDRESS and she's the school superintendent?"
I live in unincorporated King County that is supported by the BSD. My daughter is in one of the high schools. I want Cudeiro's resignation.
I live in unincorporated King County that is supported by the BSD. My daughter is in one of the high schools. I want Cudeiro's resignation.
99
98 - You're right. Every other superintendent in the area has an easily searchable e-mail address, even Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Maria Goodloe Johnson. Cudeiro is a coward. It should be illegal for a public servant to hide from the public. I hope you get Cudiero's resignation.
100
I love Bellevue. (I live in CA but have relatives there). But, what is wrong with Bellevue school administrators? The President of the United States wants to tell kids to study hard and plan their futures and the parents don't want them to be “indoctrinated”. Would they prefer the kids goof-off and spend their time playing video games?
Give me a break.
Give me a break.
101
The school administrators are now denying that their decision wasn't based on bigotry or their political beliefs, but that is a lie.
If Bellevue residents are so patriotic and so conservative (you know, "REAL Americans") then they'd respect the office of the president. They'd recognize that the president taking time to speak to students is a rare thing (something like only twice in the past 30 years) and a GIFT to their students. They should consider it an honor to have the president give a pep-talk to their students, rather then deprive them of a historic speech.
They are saying the speech offered no opportunity for interaction with the president, and therefore did not need to be played live to children. They say that teachers can show the speech later at their own discretion (hope the teachers aren't as bigoted, small-minded as Cudeiro!) but this should be Mandatory, as directed by the Administrator. They say they didn't have a copy of the speech in time—but do Cudeiro's underlings need a copy of all her memos and announcements before they are announced?
They missed an opportunity they can never have back, just to put their political agenda before the needs of their students. They blew it, big time. And yes, Cuderio should resign.
If Bellevue residents are so patriotic and so conservative (you know, "REAL Americans") then they'd respect the office of the president. They'd recognize that the president taking time to speak to students is a rare thing (something like only twice in the past 30 years) and a GIFT to their students. They should consider it an honor to have the president give a pep-talk to their students, rather then deprive them of a historic speech.
They are saying the speech offered no opportunity for interaction with the president, and therefore did not need to be played live to children. They say that teachers can show the speech later at their own discretion (hope the teachers aren't as bigoted, small-minded as Cudeiro!) but this should be Mandatory, as directed by the Administrator. They say they didn't have a copy of the speech in time—but do Cudeiro's underlings need a copy of all her memos and announcements before they are announced?
They missed an opportunity they can never have back, just to put their political agenda before the needs of their students. They blew it, big time. And yes, Cuderio should resign.
102
It is absolutely ridiculous that just because we parents in the Bellevue School District voice our concerns that a speech from a lying, socialist fool be vetted prior to indoctrinating our schoolchildren with it that it should cause such an uproar from our fellow "socially forward thinking Seattlites." Yeah right. You're socially forward when it comes to YOUR beliefs. Hey, I'm all for gay rights, saving the environment, but I also happen to know how free markets and capitalism work. Stuff it, you Stranger-readers. You want your kids listening to his bullshit, then indoctrinate them yourselves. I, for one, wouldn't trust this President as far as I could spit to NOT throw a bunch of socialist lies into a speech, even geared towards school children. However, I screened it myself later that day and was pleasantly suprised. Had my son watch it right then and there, in MY home. Where politics belong.
103
@14 Are you perhaps referring to President Jimmy "Magna" Carter? Maybe you should have paid a little more attention in your "Civics" class there, Champ.
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