West Seattle High Response

A couple weeks ago, I posted a story about pro-military guest speakers being invited to West Seattle High. When they entered the auditorium, they were confronted by figures dressed as Iraqi men, women and children, men in orange jumpsuits, bloodied and tortured.

I emailed members of the School Board with the following questions:

1) What is Seattle's position on using taxpayer money to teach students pro-war or anti-war ideologies?
2) How often do you hold assemblies with a deliberate political statement aimed at students?
3) Were the teachers or administrative staff involved in the anti-war shenanigans?
4) If the teachers were not involved, what policy do you have to supervise the students?
5) How would you answer a parent whose son or daughter is fighting in Iraq and is proud of his or her accomplishments?

I didn't get a response from any Board member whom I contacted, but I did receive a response from the Executive Assistant of the Board:

Thank you for your comments about the Iraq Awareness Assembly at West Seattle High School. Dr. Butler-Wall, our Board President, has written to Major Thomas apologizing for the pre-assembly incident. In no way does the Seattle School Board condone disrespect for our invited guests.

District policy clearly calls for a balanced presentation and multiple perspectives on a controversial topic for student dialogue and thought. We also have to respect students' constitutional rights for freedom of speech. We do not want to discourage the discussion of timely issues. [Emphasis added] What is important is to provide the context, perspective, and climate for a balanced and respectful dialogue.

The school board regrets any disrespect to assembly participants and organizers regarding this matter. We are also asking the Superintendent for information on the development of the presentation, so we can be assured of proper planning and supervision of all assemblies, particularly those of a controversial nature, in the future.

Joan Dingfield
Executive Assistant to the School Board
Seattle Public Schools
PO Box 34165, MS 11-010
Seattle WA 98124-1165
Ph: (206) 252-0041
Fx: (206) 252-0101

So there you have it - it was simple "free speech" in the name of "multiple perspectives" to heckle guest speakers and decorate the stage with objects that only Jane Fonda would be proud. I wonder what would happen if students dressed up in white bed sheets and coned-shape hats the next time a black woman comes to speak on civil rights....gotta give "multiple perspectives."