Michelle Malkin » Broward County FL schools: No, you can’t opt out of Obama speech

Broward County FL schools: No, you can’t opt out of Obama speech

By Michelle Malkin • September 4, 2009 12:42 PM

Reader Ernest emails a link to the notice on the Broward County FL school district site, which informs parents that they cannot opt their kids out of the president’s speech on Tuesday because the administrators are committed to “encouraging civics education in the broadest sense.”

Who controls your kids?

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Broward County Public Schools students will have the opportunity to watch an online national address from President Obama on the importance of education. The Web address can be seen locally in Broward County at 12 noon on the White House Web site (www.whitehouse.gov/live), and broadcast live on BECON Channel 24.

According to Superintendent James F. Notter, there have been several calls into the Superintendent’s Office suggesting and/or requesting that alternative space and activities be provided for those students wishing to “opt out” of this activity.

“As one of the premier major school systems in America, we have consistently encouraged civics education in the broadest sense, e.g., Kids Voting, elected officials participating in Career Days, countywide broadcast of Inaugural address, etc.,” said Notter. “Therefore, providing for a separation from this Address does not align with our practices and responsibility to provide a well rounded, quality education for all students. This is the first time an American President has spoken directly to students on the importance of education and the challenge to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for one’s learning.”

Schools will have the option to record or obtain a copy of the Address for later educational use, due to individual school needs, such as, tests at that time, field trips, prior scheduled events, and other reasonable conflicts.

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#101

On September 7th, 2009 at 2:11 pm, airbrush101 said:

The problem is going to be that all the teachers that have tingling sensations over him will record it and will be showing it again and again whenever they see a chance to include it in a lesson plan.
#102

On September 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pm, tiredofit08 said:

the lesson is to fire the entire school board and any principal that takes any action against your child…they are not the one who should be disciplining your child. That is reserved to the parent not some school official or the government…
#103

On September 7th, 2009 at 7:53 pm, chotii said:

When did “Respect the office of the Presidency” become “So shut up and listen to whatever the President has to say, whenever he feels like saying it, and if you don’t, you’re disrespectful”?
#104

On September 7th, 2009 at 9:55 pm, rugger said:

California Red–

There is a healthy distrust of the government that should be maintained (I really don’t want them running my healthcare, for example). But to believe that Obama was going to use this speech to push his healthcare agenda is putting that distrust of government to too high of a level. What do you think of his speech now that the text has been released (and depending on what time you check this next, after it has been delivered)? The lesson plans were likely a good faith attempt to try and reinforce his speech (just like films and books used in schools often have suggested lesson plans). I’d be more concerned with the superintendents and teachers at the schools and what they are saying 180 days during the year, as opposed to a pep talk from the President on one day.

chotii– Amazing how the tone has changed since President Bush left office. It was always charges of BDS and how the left was unpatriotic and disrespectful of the president. Now everything Obama does is instantly wrong (Obama Derangement Syndrome?) and there is a constant stream of insults directed at his office. You don’t have to agree with his stances but when you freak out because he’s giving a pep talk to keep students on track, that is being a bit disrespectful.
#105

On September 8th, 2009 at 6:36 am, Jason L. said:

Well, then, my children will “suddenly” come down with a case of the Mumps, and will not be coming to class on the day Prez O shares his leftist views.

After all, I wouldn’t want my children to be accused of being “contagious”…