The War Within Our Public Schools

“Just a moment,” James called out, but none of them turned to look at him. “There’s a group of us here that have some concerns we’d like to discuss.” Still, none of the members looked up, and they were attempting to leave the room quickly. “I said there’s a group of us here that have concerns we’d like to discuss with you!” James yelled loudly enough that everyone in the room—except the Board members—looked his way. “Hey!” Anthony Holm yelled. “We have something to say to you!” But the Board members and superintendent were still heading for the exit. Pastor Jack motioned to Mike Davies, “You and the other staff members block the doors.” Mike grabbed a few of the biggest members he could find, and they formed a human wall in front of the two doors. . . . The Board president called out to one of the District staff members, “Call for security and the police as well; tell them we have a hostile situation here!” “I would delay that call if I were you!” another voice from the far back of the room called out. All heads turned to look at the stranger. “I’m Tom Patrick of Patrick and Associates Law Firm. Unless you want a highly publicized lawsuit on your hands, I strongly suggest you Board members take your seats.” “We’re breaking no laws here!” one of the other Board members yelled back at him. “In fact, it’s your group attempting to imprison us against our will.” “I assure you that by not allowing people to speak at a public forum, you are violating everyone’s Civil Rights, and Class Action lawsuits are really expensive—not to mention, there are a few more than usual newspapers in the room tonight,” Tom Patrick said back. . . . James immediately put his hand up, and just to make sure that he was noticed, he stood up as well. “Yes, sir,” The Board president addressed him. “Could you please state your name for our records and what it is you would like to address this Board with?” “Thank you!” James said politely. “James Kaye. My daughter attends George Washington Junior High School. I’m speaking on behalf of a large group of parents and community members who are greatly concerned about some of the practices going on at the school in the classrooms. I want to make it clear that it is our desire to cooperate with the school and work together to solve the problems. We didn’t come here to start a witch hunt, but at the same time, there are matters that we feel must be addressed. “The first is that our students are being taught Islam in a very biased nature.” “Teaching about other cultures is part of the State curriculum, Mr. Kaye,” one of the Board members called out. “Excuse me, ma’am, Islam is not a culture; it’s a religion, and I know that you’ll want to tell me that religious history is part of the curriculum too. The problem is that there is no balance. The students are having to read a book about the Muslim culture that is extremely one-sided. And when one of the students brought in and read out of the Quran, which contradicted the book, that student was silenced and sent to the office. On top of that, the students were being required, at first, to dress up like Muslims. I have been told that that is no longer a requirement but an extra credit opportunity. We have to take issue with a few things here: One, if you’re going to teach about a culture or religion, teach it right.” “What you’re saying is a matter of opinion,” the superintendent countered. “Well, all I can tell you is that the young lady, whose parents are here tonight, read the actual Quran, and like it or not, it teaches that Muslims should treat non-Muslims as enemies and put them to death. We have a Quran here if you need to read it for yourself. The point is, if the students are going to be taught about a religion, let them read out of that religion’s authority or don’t teach it at all.” “A lot can be said about the Crusades as well, Mr. Kaye,” the voice came from the side of the room. It was Mr. Norburg. “The Crusaders killed a lot of people in the name of their god.” “Yes they did, but that is a history lesson. You won’t find that in a religious manuscript, and that is not a practice that goes on today.” “So you’re saying Christians aren’t violent?” Mr. Norburg retorted. James did not like the distraction. “They haven’t been accused of lopping off heads, blowing themselves up, and crashing planes into buildings lately. Which brings me to the second point on this issue: If you’re going to teach Islam, then you need to give equal and credible representation to the other religions. And my third point is that an extra credit opportunity needs to be non—and I’m sorry, but I can’t think of any other way to put this—offensive to others’ beliefs. My daughter has no problem with doing extra credit, but not when it compromises her values. I’m guessing the Jewish, Hindu, Mormon, and Buddhist students would probably feel the same.” Kim Faretti was sitting next to Carl Lane. She looked over at Mr. Norburg with an I-told-you-so look on her face. Mr. Norburg quickly looked away. “This guy is really something,” Carl whispered to Kim. . . . “Is there anyone else with a concern they wish to talk about?” the Board president asked aloud, obviously trying to get away from James. James was not deterred. “Excuse me. I wasn’t finished. We have two other concerns we wish to bring up.” “We need to give equal time to others, Mr. Kaye,” the Board president countered. Curt stood up. “Yes, sir?” one of the other Board members acknowledged Curt. “Hi, I’m Curt Woods. My daughter also attends the George Washington Junior High. I’d like to discuss the next item that Mr. Kaye wanted to discuss.” There were many laughs that broke out in the crowd. Even James snickered loudly. The Board president had the look of defeat again. “Proceed, Mr. Kaye.” “Thank you. And thank you Mr. Woods.” Again, more chuckles broke out. “Our next concern has to do with the lessons being taught in the health class.” “This is quite enough!” a woman’s voice screamed out across the room. It was Ev Taver, eyes bugging out and seething red in her large, round face. “I will not stand for this man and these people having a witch hunt on our teachers.” Curt jumped to his feet. “What exactly do you mean by THESE PEOPLE?” he demanded. “Let’s all calm down!” the Board president called out. “Mr. Kaye has the floor now.” . . . James motioned for Curt to calm and sit down. “As the Union president, I want this meeting moved to a closed-door session. . .