Education

‘I’ll F**king Kill You’: Parents Outraged Over School Assignment Forcing Kids ‘to Read Profanity’

Sam Lee Angry at Hardin Valley Academy Over Robopocalypse Assignment

Photo Credit: Daniel H. Wilson

At least two parents in West Knoxville, Tennessee, are up in arms over an “inappropriate” reading assignment that was given to high school students at Hardin Valley Academy over the summer. The book at the center of the debate, “Robopocalypse,” written by Daniel H. Wilson, is said to be, at times, both profane and violent.

One of the lines in the book, for instance, allegedly reads, “I swear to God and all his cronies, darling I’ll f**king kill you.” It is this sort of sentiment that has parents outraged.

Sam Lee, the parent of a 14-year-old student at the school, believes that “Robopocalypse” should not be a part of the curriculum. While he doesn’t hold the author responsible for writing the story, Lee is angry with district officials who assigned it to youths. His wife first discovered the questionable content when sifting through the book earlier this month.

“My child is being forced to read profanity. This is not something that kids are talking about. It’s an assigned assignment,” Lee told WBIR.com. ”We want our kids to be civilized citizens and be upcoming members of community, and this does not serve that purpose.”

Lee, for one, would like the book to be removed from the reading list — something that may currently be under review by the district. In fact, Dr. Elizabeth Alves, acting assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Knox County Schools, told WBIR that officials are currently examining how the novel was selected by teachers.

“This book was selected by the STEM academy, so it went through a different process and we are currently looking into what that process was,” she explained.

On the district’s web site, STEM is described as follows:

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  If you love math and science, are interested in learning how the world works and is put together, and/or can’t get enough of computers and the latest techy gadgets, you  belong in the STEM Academy.  STEM students are smart, motivated, and don’t mind asking questions or thinking outside the box.  If you want to learn how to use math, science, logic, computers and technology to make the world a better place to live, you will gain the knowledge and skills through STEM courses.

While she didn’t want to delve into the profanity present in the book directly, Alves addressed it in a roundabout way.

“I don’t want to comment specifically on the profanity, but we do consider the maturity of students to be able to understand, and whether the text is appropriate for the grade level and age group,” she continued.

In an e-mail that Lee’s wife received, administrators explained that the intention of using the book was to engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics during the summer. However, they also seemed completely aware of the potential controversy before selecting the book.

“We discussed adult-level language, and decided that most (not all) students of this age group are exposed to profanity through much more graphic means than the written text…,” a message from STEM Academy Dean Debbie Sayers read. “We knew there might be some objection to his, and we were willing to defer to parental concerns and discretion.”

Lee, though, claims the family was never notified. The district is currently investigating the way in which books are selected for recommendation. Officials also offered Lee‘s son alternative assignments that don’t involve the controversial book at hand — a prospect that he deemed “too little, too late.”

(H/T: Fox News)

Comments (113)

1 2 3
  • conservredneck
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:19pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post » conservredneck  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:44pm

      End the Federal Department of Education.

      Report Post »  
    • YAHSHUARULES
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:58pm

      When I was growing up 1st and 2nd grade I went to a Lutheran Parochial school. We were taught that you did not even say “Jee” because what you really meant was “Jesus” and that would be taking the name of the Lord in vain. You didn’t say darn because you really meant “damn”. You didn’t say gosh because you really meant “God” I know most today would mock that. In the 3rd grade they closed the school and I went to a public school and word by word I learned to have a really filthy mouth. I didn’t learn it in classrooms but rather on the playground from all the other kids. Word by word each a little more foul then the previous, shock value till using that word wore off and then one a little more disgusting. Until I ended up with a full blown vocabulary of profanity. I thought I was so smart with my foul mouth and anyone who would be repulsed I would tell them – “whats the big deal, its only words. Words can’t hurt you. Its just a form of expression“ The book of James talks about our tongue ”And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3v6

      More power to the parents who are fighting this. That kind of language is a desensitizing mechanism, a hardening, a searing of conscience. Its not just words, its the spirit behind the words and that is a dark and ugly one.

      Report Post » YAHSHUARULES  
    • starman70
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:06pm

      A group called STEM?

      That translates to: SOCIALIST TRAINING & EDUCATION for the MASSES.

      Of course they would recommend a book laden with murder, profanity and other anti social themes. While one reading assignment may not be a significant source of anti-social behavior, a book like that coupled with video games, movies, TV shows and RAP music will certainly all work together to dismantle morality and proper behavior. The left leaning educational establishment wants a generation which has no values other than self. They will be good pawns for the future dismemberment of society and then the survivors will be sent to camps to be re-educated to eliminate self and work for the collective.

      I hope these parents wil have success in the removal of this from children’f reading lists. It is amazing that more parents aren‘t involved enough in their child’s education and to what is in theri child’s reading list to add their voices to the complaint.

      Report Post »  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:15pm

      Bring back the Bible as an appropriate book to not just read it but explain how it inspired this NAD other countries AND invite clergy of different faiths (not just Universalists) to explain The Book and why it inspires and enlightens them.

      And just as you wouldn’t bring in a critic to shoot down a pro-educational/liberal book, you cant invite atheists to oppose the book and its teachings…

      Then and only then can we talk about letting in these other books.

      The number one read book in the world and schools have outright removed it but they’ll read pro-commie socialist crap as if its scripture…

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 5:17pm

      The whole purpose of the Dept Of Ed is to see to it that the kids are exposed to as much perversion, sex and criminality as they possibly can. It will numb their senses of right and wrong and drive them far from the influence of thier parents. It is part of a larger brainwashing technique that has been used for at least a century now, all over the world. It is what the prog freaks do in order to get to the kids.

      Report Post »  
    • LIBERALSARESLACKERS
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 6:18pm

      Oh, how do you think the administrators would react if I wrote them a letter stating “I’ll ******* kill you?”

      Report Post »  
    • LuvsYeshua
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:06pm

      ATTENTION PARENTS!

      You should be paying for private school (K thru 12) for your kids, not college. Make them pay for their own college, but pay for them to go to a Christian school from kindergarten through high school, or homeschool them. You will be doing them a DISSERVICE if you sent them to public school until they are 18, then pay for their college.

      Report Post »  
    • mecanic
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 12:52pm

      end teachers union and department of education, there a bunch of left wing NUTS who are destroying our children for there own PROFIT.

      Report Post » mecanic  
  • Shintoc
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:11pm

    Here is the way I see it if you raise your kids right they will grow up to be good people if you do not they won’t. One book are a game will not make a difference.

    Report Post »  
    • Meemster
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:23pm

      When will teachers and parents learn, “garbage in garbage out.”. Kids will use bad language but should not be encouraged to do it by teachers or parents.

      Report Post »  
    • dc135custom
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:33pm

      Shintoc, while i tend to agree with you the point here is that this is just one more piece of garbage the public school system is shoving down our childrens throats that the lparents then have to counter and it just makes our job that much harder.

      Report Post »  
  • Zetareticuli
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:08pm

    While I don’t approve of vulgar use in the every day vernacular, I don‘t necessarily think it’s always a bad thing when it appears in written form. Authors will often give the antgonists the responsibility of using this kind of language. It provides a quick and easy way of distinguishing the villains from the heroes. Villains swear, heroes don’t. As the villains exhibit other negative behaviors, this underlying message of “villains swear, heroes don’t” is reinforced.

    One could argue that these kinds of books are actually discouraging swearing and teaching people what it means to be civilized by illustrating the contrasts.

    Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Is Huck Finn still on the ‘banned’ list? — PARENTS are responsible for the education of their OWN children. (Restore RESPONSIBILITY) — One cannot delegate that responsibility to gubmint and ‘expect’ they will be honorably ‘taught.‘ We’ve KNOWN this since at least 1972… Parents are ‘too busy’ trying to NOT be among the 100 million receiving ‘entitlements.’ — To understand, perhaps its time to set aside some time to find out where this all comes from, “why,” where its going and what the remedies are. With Children, it starts with the ‘Certificate of Live Birth’ – “port-of-entry” birth centers — Trust, but VERIFY. That is one’s responsibility.
      http://www.teamlaw.org/ — On the left hand side go to ‘Family Ties.’ It is dated material – but nevertheless factual. Learn the LAW. Natural law is God’s law which gave us Common Law which morphed (unlawfully) into Public Policy… Know the difference?

      Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:50am

    …
    Public Schools = Propaganda, Indoctrination, Brainwashing.
    Home School your kids.

    Report Post »  
    • irarangan
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:59am

      Ridiculous. Home school kids are just serial killers waiting to snap

      Report Post »  
    • Redwood Elf
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:02pm

      What amazes me is that anyone can wonder WHY a book that pushes antireligion and profanity got picked by the socialist liberal education system.

      Well DUH!

      Report Post » Redwood Elf  
    • webpsyche
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:11pm

      Ignoramus alert, homeschooled kids aren’t serial killers.

      Report Post »  
    • conservredneck
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:13pm

      I disagree. Many of the home school kids I have been around, dealt with, worked with are not as you ignorantly stated. They are in most cases fare more educated and too most ready for the real world. Why you might say? Because Parents involvement. Just because many kids have language that could embarrassed an adult doesn’t make it ok to gradually introduce it to young school aged students. You are teaching them that it is accepted. It is NOT accepted!!!

      Report Post » conservredneck  
    • Marine 1
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:33pm

      Absolutely right! The public school systems have become the best socialistic / communistic platform for indoctrination there is. Union-controlled school districts pump out brainwashed, ignorant young people left and right. They know nothing about how government runs, the Constitution, and other critical topics. They just know they are entitled to everything for nothing.

      It’s not true about all public schools but most of them.

      Here’s one axample. I once had to supervise about a hundred folks that had graduated from mostly NYC schools and they were dumber than a box of rocks. They couldn’t do basic math, couldn’t speak the English language correctly, couldn’t follow simple instructions, were lazy ,had a huge sense of entitlement, and didn’t care about anything except their time off from work. These were folks that were the “cream of the crop” now working in the Department of Homeland Security in NYC key security positions. It was a joke!

      Like good little parents most Americans send their kids off to the PC schools only to learn that Obama is good, homosexuality is just fine, that GOD is bad and one cannot speak of HIM, that the Pledge of Allegiance must not be recited each day so that no one is offended by it, and that the Stars and Stripes are offensive too.

      Nope, most of the public schools stink and it’s because of the teachers that are as brainwashed as the kids. Things really need to change in this country because we are going down fast.

      Semper Filde

      Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:49pm

      Obammer will find a way to make home schooling illegal if he gets election (sure HOPE not)
      Home schoolers are taking MONEY out Obammers cash machine.
      I’ve met alot of home schooled kids and they are amazingly WELL educated.
      Obammer and Dept of Education is just mad about losing that money.
      OMG in Nov 2012

      Report Post »  
    • Sparky77
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:49pm

      Homeschooling is a great option. Also check out the the classical Christian school in your area.

      http://www.accsedu.org/

      Either helps to disempower the beast & to mold young men & women into productive citizens of whom we can be proud & confident.

      Report Post »  
    • The Jewish Avenger
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 2:35pm

      @irarangan

      Um… wha?:

      Home school kids are more likely to be more independent and although they are mocked in MSM and movies as bring socially deprived in their youth, they have avoided the unprotected bullying practices that occurs from elementary to high school and make many lifelong friends. How many lifelong friends have you made in public schools?. When they attend college they are just “trying to make it”. just like their peers. therefore, they fit in perfect for the have the same goals. When they have a job, (Compare the % of home schoolers that work vs publci schooled) school status as many know doesnt mean jack squat the week after graduation. Ask yourself, how many people do you have close ties to from elementary and high school? If its high congrats, you have a gift that even certain home school kids have, an attractive personality. It doesnt matter whether you are in public or private, when you got it, they flock to ya. Home school children tend to be more relaxed, confident and appear to have a take it or leave it attitude which tends to make people be more themselves in turn makes them more likely to make friends and socialize with eaze.

      Teen pregnancies? Really now… Home schooled, some. Public? HUGE numbers.

      But Serial killers?
      Law of large numbers say yes, it can happen. but if you look to the left of the column, the public schooled makes the home school numbers look like a line on a bar graph and yes that includes the percentage overal

      Report Post » The Jewish Avenger  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 3:48pm

      If you home school your kids, you guarantee that they will never be smarter than you are, which is what all good parents should want.

      Report Post »  
    • OhioRifleman
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 4:17pm

      @ Chet

      Were I to public school my kids, I would be guaranteeing them a life of being far dumber than I. I don’t think I shall make that mistake, thank you.

      Report Post » OhioRifleman  
    • wolverine
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 5:56pm

      It is amazing that in the area I live in we don’t get many Merit Scholars but those we do get are either home schooled or attend a private church run school

      Report Post » wolverine  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:49am

    The time will come when public schools will all….all…be considered ghetto schools regardless where they are located and their computerization. Anyone with any means at all will be sending their children to private schools. The Federal government has ruined education.

    Report Post »  
  • Bill Wallace
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:49am

    While I applaud these parents for actually monitoring what their child is reading, I wonder how far they take it.

    Would make no sense to critique this book if they allow their child to play first person shooter video games. Take a look at the content for the most recent Duke Nukem game.

    Do they monitor what the kid watches on TV? Have they seen HBO?

    What about music. If it is hip hop, the f-bombs won’t stop.

    And what about other books? Huck Finn has been banned for various things including obscenity. Where do we draw the line?

    Report Post »  
    • roy3331
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:35pm

      Thats right Bill Wallace just give up !! That will do it, Did your mom and dad not give a crap?

      Report Post » roy3331  
  • Talkgirl
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:35am

    There was a time (long before I attended school) when higher standards were taught and required of students. That time is long gone..
    Now school is about stooping to the lowest standards of society, using propaganda as curriculum, and taking parents as far out of the picture as possible.
    Even in a ‘consevative’ district we have gone to head over content here with school and district officials. If parents choose to continue to use public schools, they must also choose to combat it with serious home teachings and exposure to real learning experiences. Home schools/charter schools are on the rise, and this trend will no doubt continue

    Report Post » Talkgirl  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:49am

      You say since its not under Government Control its Conservative?? Hmmm, would that mean everything under Government Control is Liberal?

      Report Post »  
  • Grizzlyof5
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:34am

    Instead of assigning a classic book with substance this is what the school system deems appropriate for a child’s education. I love how they make decisions assuming the role of parent for other people’s children. Isn’t, well everyone else is doing it, the oldest line in the book? This is why homeschooling is crucial. The dumbing down of America is not by accident. Just wait until the wonderful common core (United Nations) standards kick in to save our schools. This book will seem like a Mother Goose rhyme in a few years time.

    Report Post »  
    • gtk
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 5:20am

      Please list and define what you consider to be a classic novel.

      Report Post »  
  • PhillipH
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:31am

    Here’s what this article (surprisingly) missed: STEM is a program, with its own review board, NOT under control of the government – it’s a privatized program. So actually, it’s more conservative than anything. Schools can choose to drop STEM, but they can’t revise the program. It’s like saying that an AP class in a high school should be changed – AP is run by the College Board, not the government, and if the College Board doesn’t want to change something, they don’t have to.

    That said, I believe this book is OK for older kids, as long as it is not mandated, and is offered along with other options, and perhaps a “Parental Guidance” warning of some sort.

    Report Post »  
  • dktrdktr
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:25am

    Sounds like none of the teachers or adminstrators read the book before assigning it? It‘s a sad fact that most of them aren’t really all that bright.

    Report Post »  
    • PhillipH
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:33am

      This is part of a program called STEM, not operated by the government AT ALL. Books are chosen based on an independent review board, not them. Take issue with the STEM administrators!

      Report Post »  
  • RobbieTLHughie
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:17am

    HAHAHAHA, this is ridiculous over-reaction. This is the same guy who will be ‘offended’ at the kid reading a book with some ‘cuss words’ but his 14-year old son will go home and play Call of Duty online for three hours with a bunch of kids screaming at the top of their lungs. This society is filled with whiners, am I right guys? … … … Oh right, it’s about schools so of course not…

    Report Post » RobbieTLHughie  
    • woodyee
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:37am

      Over-reaction? You mean like your posts over at the lesbian general thread? LOL!!!

      Report Post » woodyee  
    • right-wing-waco
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:37am

      You are wrong. What “I” allow my child to do my be different from what the government (schools) should be allowed to make him/her do or read. The government has no place in forcing children to read or say profanity. This is part of the problem in the country.

      Report Post »  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:52am

      Robbie did say society was full of whiners….enter the entitlement crowd….

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:16pm

      “The government has no place in forcing children to read or say profanity. ”

      Good thing that the book was not mandatory reading then, right? Perhaps you missed that several other selections were offered as alternatives.

      Report Post »  
    • Marine25
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:26pm

      Robopocalypse is hardly as violent and hateful as The Old Testament.

      Report Post »  
  • LukeAppling
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:17am

    I agree with the parents we should not allow schools to propagandize our children the schools should be held to a high standard of honor, truth and teaching children how to reason and form their own opinions not indoctrinate them in the teacher‘s or the Teacher’s Unions’ ideas.Step-by-step America is being brought down to the level of perverts, child molesters, foul language uses, unchristian ways which will kill America as the teachers, unions, Obama and Soros are desperately trying to accomplish. We must resist and our children must not tolerate being propagandized demand to be taught to reason not memorize dogma, that is the Karl Marx theory of education.

    Report Post »  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:21pm

      Thank you for your very correct comments. Our brains are amazing things, we never get rid of a thing we learn. We may not be able to access everything, but it is all stored. Something shocking causes a response, but seeing or hearing it over and over stops the “shocked” response. Profanity used to upset almost evryone, now we are “ho-hum” to it. Are we a better society for it? I do not think so, we are living down , instead of up to expectations of civilization and civilized discourse. When I became a mother in 1965 my mother told me the world would try to brainwash my children towards crass behavior and truely wrong thinking. She was right. I countertaught correct principles and truth, but my children’s job is harder and harder with the garbage taught in schools, music and by progressives in school. There are still some good teachers and good parents, and some who have come on board late when they woke up. It is up to us to fight for our kids. As a grandma and great grandma I work at it, because I fear for the next generations.

      Report Post »  
  • Duey2000
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:14am

    I‘m going to go against the grain here and say that I don’t think that it is entirely inappropriate for kids to be reading language such as this. Maybe 14 is a little young, and I agree that they should have made parents aware of the upcoming reading project before assigning it so as to give parents the opportunity to express their displeasure. But the fact is that kids will be exposed to language like this in shows on Comedy Central, and video games, and even comic books. We read books with language like this when I was in early high school and I didn’t grow up to be a swearing criminal. What about the Catcher in the Rye? That book was supposed to be too adult but thousands of kids were required to read that in school. If the book is promoting violence and criminal activity, then it should be removed from the school. But just because it contains some questionable language (in what may only be a few lines at most) does not mean that it should be banned. This is an opportunity for parents and their kids to discuss what is appropriate and what is not and explain to their kids that just because they read or hear something doesn’t mean that it needs to be repeated. We have no problem with our kids reading Shakespeare despite the fact that it is full of murder, betrayal, infidelity, and even incest. Just because this book isn‘t a ’masterpiece‘ doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve to be engaged.

    Report Post »  
  • SquidVetOhio
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:09am

    “We discussed adult-level language, and decided that most (not all) students of this age group are exposed to profanity through much more graphic means than the written text…,”

    So because you’ve heard or seen something, it’s ok to expose kids to even more of it? By that logic, a kids that has abusive, violent parents should be allowed to read Playboy and watch R-rated movies in school? This idiot is involved in the education system?

    I bet all those kids have heard the name Jesus before. So, make the Gospels required reading. Let’s see how that flies.

    Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:17am

      I thought exactly the same thing.

      “But Parents, everyone else is doing it!”

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Fat Pappy
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:19am

      The liberal media, the colleges, ….. are desensitizing the youth of this nation to be just like them…. God help us to preserve the souls, hearts and minds of our youth from the wiles of the evil one!

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:30am

      Oddly, we did read selections of the Bible back in high school. Not sure why you‘re implying that people don’t?

      The idea that you seem to miss is that a work of literature can succeed in being valuable in spite of profanity (or perhaps even by the use of it). Would you exclude books like “The Adventures of Huck Finn” because they use the N word? How about books like 1984 because they have scenes of torture? How about banning “The Grapes of Wrath” due to the profanity found in it? Ah, here’s a good suggestion: “Fahrenheit 451” seems right up your alley, Squid. The temperature at which books burn?

      When you start banning books because of profanity, you become part of the repressive government you so claim to hate. How about we offer several choices to read, and include a disclaimer for the ones that overly-paranoid parents may find objectionable?

      Oh wait. That’s exactly what happened in this case!

      Report Post »  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:38am

      @LOCKED

      I wish I went to your school. We sure didn’t read any scriptures at the public school I went to. It’s not about banning books but nice strawman arguement. You’re pretty good at setting up a straw man army. It’s about age appropriate material.

      Actually, Huck Finn should probably be required reading. I did read that in school in about 7th or 8th grade. I don’t even mind violence. The Bible is one of the most violent books you’ll ever read. I don’t want my kids giving books with F bomb in it at school because if someone says that word in front of my kids, I tell them to shut up or I’ll punch them in the mouth.

      Being a former sailor, I think I know a thing or two about cursing……

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:39am

      When the foundations are being destroyed,
      what can the righteous do?”

      Of course, I am sure this is not the first time this child would have read or heard those words given the current state of our public school systems. However, when public schools “endorse” this by assigning it, I believe it sends the wrong message to the kids that somehow this is acceptable. Now in a well parented home probably no big deal, but many many children grow up with no meaningful guidance at all and are themselves emotionally disturbed. These are the ones I am concerned about what message is being sent. Funny, somehow the 10 commandments are offensive and profane and therefore must be removed, yet something like this is perfectly acceptable in the classroom. Make no mistake, a foundation of beliefs are being taught in the schools. Getting rid of the 10 commandments just eliminated the competition.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • conservredneck
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:27pm

      well put!!

      Report Post » conservredneck  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:07am

    Get the liberals out of and off our school boards… it’s like having union teachers negotiate with themselves.

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
  • kiwi1
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:04am

    Don’t you love the things these Government “Co-parents“ of your children deem ”appropriate” for Your Children.
    If we do not end the Dept. of Education (Government Indoctrination) and offer choice through the private sector, the only way to keep our children Safe is to Home School.

    Report Post »  
  • Ari Ben TZion
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:02am

    The argument of the school is that kids are exposed to expletives by others means in our society so this makes reading the book ok.

    Ok, so, black kids are exposed to violence on a regular basis in their neighborhoods – why don’t we then train black kids to use M16? Glocks? Smith & Wesson? You guys see just how foolish this type of thinking is?

    Just listen to the logic of these nescients.

    Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
  • Locked
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:01am

    At 14, I guarantee they’ve heard worse already from their peers, neighbors, television, or movies.

    Judging from what other people (former graduates) have said about the program this book wasn’t even mandatory; it was one selection out of several that were available. No one was “forcing his child to read profanity,“ any more than saying ”You can choose vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream” is forcing you to eat chocolate.

    Making mountains out of molehills.

    Report Post »  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:11am

      So let’s add Hustler to the list of optional reading. Nobody’s forcing them to read it right?

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • kadster01
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:13am

      That is irrelevant. So if the bar is already low, why not keep it low (or drop it lower)? What ever happened to RAISING standards? Can’t taxpayers count on that at all?

      Report Post »  
    • Duey2000
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:15am

      I agree completely.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:27am

      @Squid

      “So let’s add Hustler to the list of optional reading. Nobody’s forcing them to read it right?”

      Now there’s an interesting proposition. If you’re of the opinion that Hustler has literary merit, I can completely understand why you’d be foolish enough to think that there was an issue here.

      The idea that you seem to miss is that a work of literature can succeed in being valuable in spite of profanity (or perhaps even by the use of it). Would you exclude books like “The Adventures of Huck Finn” because they use the N word? How about books like 1984 because they have scenes of torture? How about banning “The Grapes of Wrath” due to the profanity found in it?

      Report Post »  
    • SquidVetOhio
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:47am

      “If you’re of the opinion that Hustler has literary merit, I can completely understand why you’d be foolish enough to think that there was an issue here.”

      It’s called an anology. Ever heard of one. Exposing absurdity by being absurd. Just because something has literary value doesn‘t mean it’s appropriate. Responsible people want to protect their children as much as you can before you throw them to the wolves of the world. I know my kids have heard these words but, I want them to cringe when they hear it. There are millions of works of literature that don’t contain the F-bomb. That stuff can wait for college.

      I question the motives of people who want children exposed to adult material.

      Report Post » SquidVetOhio  
    • AnAmericanToo
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:47am

      Just because children have been around crude, vulgar language via peers, teachers, music/films does NOT mean that one should not be urged to read material via the school system that is of higher standard. A formal education should not be about embracing debasing language but should be challenging children to rise above the lowest common language. The ideal should be about challenging students to stretch themselves and their thinking to expect more of themselves and others.

      And so if the children are exposed to crude and vulgar language, should the educational system be teaching words of a high standard than what is found on the streets or screamed out in vulgar hip-hop songs? What amazes me is that the educators force children to read this awful material that is not uplifting but is dark, violent, and crude and then they wonder why the young people are suffering from record levels of depression. Take a cup of coffee and turn on your thinking caps people! Read up lifting materials if you want to uplift your mood — teach of lofty goals and values so that the young person can have uplifting thoughts.

      One does not have to read coarse, crude, vulgar language as part of one’s formal education. One does not have to use that type of language even if those around you think so little of themselves and others that they use it to express themselves.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:12pm

      @Anamericantoo

      “Just because children have been around crude, vulgar language via peers, teachers, music/films does NOT mean that one should not be urged to read material via the school system that is of higher standard.”

      Have you read this book? As right now, you’re dismissing it as not being of that “higher standard.” I‘m curious to know if you actually have read it or if you’re just giving a knee-jerk emotional reaction like seemingly EVERY comment has so far here.

      Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 12:14pm

      @Squid

      “It’s called an analogy.”

      Sorry, let me clarify; it was a poor example making a comparison between porn and literary classics that contain the odd curse word.

      “I question the motives of people who want children exposed to adult material.”

      I question the motives of people who would ban books that they have not even read and which are not mandatory to read. It appears we’ll be at an impasse on this one.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 1:40pm

      @ LOCKED…While I certainly,agree, given the current state of our nation’s schools, that this is by no means the first time this or any other youngster has heard this phrase, I would suggest that it is a matter of what we are feeding our kids in a culture that continues down a path of increasing violence and immorality that concerns me. For the well parented child probably not the biggest deal in the world. But what about those who are unguided or abused or simply ignored? You see it isn’t this one isolated instance in and of itself, it is a generalized attitude that allows immorality to gradually increase until eventually nothing is shameful, nothing is “taboo” to feed our young ones. It is the mentality of permissiveness from those who should be establishing examples to the youth (parents, teachers, etc) that can collectively send the wrong message. Of course we are all aware of the music, the movies and the games that assault our children daily, therefore, doesn’t it make sense that the teachers, the parents, set a better example? How can teachers correct abusive language in the classroom when they are assigning or allowing the reading of material themselves? Where is there credibility to do so? Of course one instance an argument does not make, I believe it is the ever increasing, ever encroaching boundaries on what is acceptable to expose our children to at ever younger ages that is the concern of many. Matt 18:6 Thank you….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 3:06pm

      @Sleazy

      While I see your point, I wonder if you have read the book in question? I haven’t, but if they could only pick out one line as reason for condemnation, I can’t help but feel this article is only looking for an emotional tug. As another poster pointed out, what if this line is an antagonist, reinforcing the idea that “bad guys swear, good guys don’t?” I‘d argue that’s a symbol of countering the “permissive mentality” you’ve mentioned is becoming more common.

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 6:37pm

      @ LOCKED….First let me say no I have not read the book listed in this story. Second, let me say I am not condemning any book or person. I am however, calling into question the “wisdom” of adding this to the students reading list regardless if it only portrays bad guys as doing this. Many many children are left to themselves with no guidance, while many other kids and our pop culture endorses being the “bad” guy as a cool and hip thing. So when those in authority (parents, teachers etc) seem to indirectly endorse this type of material in a setting where there is no guidance, no further teaching, and it is applied to all students in any given mental/emotional position, I have a hard time seeing the “benefits” as so great and profound as to justify what I see are the negatives. In a culture of so many negative things bombarding our children already, why would we willingly add to it when there is really no need to? Thank you….

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
  • brutu105
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:59am

    This example of the district school assigning this type of reading assignment to teenagers is
    exactly why The Education Unions and all that stuff needs to be completely removed
    from our education system!!!

    Report Post »  
  • thibx
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:58am

    check out the garbage being taught in california. headed up by oboma’s education zar who is a queer.

    Report Post »  
  • hi
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:57am

    Sorry but most of the required high school reading books deal with incest, depression, profanity, rape and so on. I couldn’t stand it when I was in high school. I don’t think anyone will be able to change it.

    Also, when I gasped at the “F” word on tv when my daughter was in junior high. She commented, “Mom, I hear that word all day long at school.”

    The only way around this is to homeschool. I don’t, but am starting to believe I should have.

    Report Post » hi  
  • bikerr
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:57am

    Home school works.

    Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:57am

    They should all take their children out of schools for these schools are set up to cause rebellion of children against their parents and give their loyalty to “education” and the government. The education department know this has an effect on students but it is all part of the breaking down process before the endoctrination begins. This is designed to do just the opposite of where parents want their children to go. Kids should not have to listen or read this mess. It makes them feel older than they are and causes confusion to them when they are old enough to be financially independent and they are left to rebel against rules at home. These evil people heading up the Dept. of Education are awared of that for they have an agenda in mind that is contrary to the strength in unity decency offers. If kids and their parents are not united, then there is a weakened country.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:56am

    Vote out or inpeach your school board and all top Admin in the system

    Report Post »  
  • perry1980
    Posted on August 13, 2012 at 10:55am

    Don’t let the schools Brainwash your Children. Speak Up Speak OUt.

    Report Post »  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on August 13, 2012 at 11:02am

      I spent hours talking with my kids keeping the teachings of our public school system in check. I remember having a beer after mowing my lawn and my 8 yr old daughter asked me why I was on drugs. I guess having a beer after some yardwork on a hot afternoon puts me in the same catagory as a crackhead.

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
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