Let us not forget the purpose of school for our children is to engage in this practice/laboratory in order to learn how to learn, learn how to think, so that as history, literature, arithmetic reasoning and expository oration are performed, our children will be able to think critically, be creative and innovative, utilize self-reliance as well as fact-finding skills of research, use intuition, base opinion on plausible as well as out-of-the-box theories, all in order to make a decision and forward a thought for the betterment of themselves and our society…………Her call to action was then in her summary: “A grand price was paid in order for us to be where we are today; but in my mind we should be a lot further, so again I encourage the white teachers to instruct and I encourage my people to not just be a student, but become a learner”……
I cannot believe that the teachers are so immature. Instead of promoting alternate ways of thinking and critiquing texts, they are hindering students to think in a molded and generic way.
What kind of teachers are at this school? This is a sad day for educators everywhere.
They should be commending the girl for a well researched, well analyzed essay.
I am a white teacher and have worked in a school where the majority of the students are not white. This does present certain challenges, but does not in any way excuse the teachers from their duty to educate their students. It angers me that these teachers would not have responded to this clear call for assistance with compassion. Regardless of the situation or racial make-up of their classes, they are failing their students by not making every effort they can to TEACH!!!! Jada’s maturity and drive for education is commendable and should be encouraged and celebrated!!!!!
I can believe that the sensitivities of members of this society prevent them from moving beyond their personal neds to see a bigger picture.
Clearly, this bright young mind has a perception that could help us get beyond the treatment that has in many ways supported the decline in the education of America;s children in general. To much political correctness and not enough righteousness. This family was disrespected as ctizens who pay taxes that employ teachers and other public servants. Not only teachers misuse and abuse the people they are supposed to serve. The practice extends to the social service workers, police, politicians and the list gets longer. Woe to us if we don’t learn to see more clearly and help rather than hinder the mind that thinks beyong what is acceptable to us personally.
The true irony is the action by the school proves the very point Ms. Williams was trying,thus reinforcing her impression of being repressed in a failing system truly not designed for the success of the student. This attitude is taken on by many inner city schools in which many students of ethnic backgrounds are not encouraged by parents,peers,or teachers for one reason or another. I have several friends who are teachers & I know they encourage their students who then are label by peers for being astute but in a more derogatory fashion. It is a struggle for many ethnic students to strive in educational environments when there is little encouragement.
Unbelievable! The education this young lady got is painful to watch but speaks to a destiny of turning on lights for people. Those teachers and principle are obviously more concerned with maintaining a reputation for teaching than actually teaching.
This shameful in the American public eye and in their state’s eye. This is one of their brightest and the treat her as an outcast. She merely pointed out what is wrong on both sides of the equation of student and teacher. As one poster stated, they proved her point.
I remember Providence RI wanted to/or fired all of their teachers because of performance. This should occur here as well. Firing should not stop at just the teacher, but at the Education administration as well. They know the history of her grades before the persecution, and they generally will not wan much from there.
Later in life when she receives a Noble prize or some other notoriety, they will want to claim her as one of their own.
Fire all of them teachers, administrators and all who are involved. If the Mayor or Governor does not react to this it says a lot about their conviction to the oath they had taken.
I dont think thats right at all. And if they dont want our kids to speak their minds. They need to find another job. May god bless you jada and stay strong. Put them devils under your feet and stand tall head held high. Im 26 and thank you for telling me its ok to speak your mind. May god bless you.
Unbelievable! The teacher and the whole school behave very ignorance what will become of our present and future children. That makes me very, very upset
This young girl has inadvertently identified a growing problem in the US and in Canada, with regards to the public education system. I’ve believed for a while now, at least over the last 10 years or so, that public education has become nothing but a glorified grindhouse to make intellectually functional people, whereas the real quality education is offered to those that can afford it.
Her contention that educated people makes them less “manageable as slaves” is absolutely bang on. With her essay she has exposed what is emerging as a dark underbelly of the true intent of the current public education system, which is not really to bring up young people to be free and independent thinkers, but to make them able to read, understand and follow orders and instructions but not to question them.
I side with her in imploring others to be learners not just students.
This is truly sad but unfortunately it is not only happening in our schools, our jobs and in our communities, this type or similar behavior has even made it to the highest office in the land, The White House.
The DISRESPECT displayed is not degrading to achievers who strive for excellence, and there is nothing the school and the administrators in Rochester and across this land we call the free and home of the brave can do to stop it!
Let it become one of those teachable moments for each of us to stand firm for our HUMAN RIGHTS and FREEDOM OF SPEECH in the classroom to the boardroom.
Stand tall Ms. Williams, your courage to write an essay of this magnitude speaks volume. I commend you for your bravery.
Young People Learning is Power. Spread the news: Grab as much knowledge as you can and pass it on.
Each One Teach One!
Thank you for standing up for this cold and all those who have expressed their thoughts and beliefs. I am sucked buy the actions of these people in question. I will be reposing this and calling
Why would we expect anything less than still treats African Americans as subordinates and not equals. They asked her to write the essay but could not respect her opinion after she wrote it. It is offensive to them if we excel accademically. This situation is a perfect example! They’re afraid we may be SMARTER than they are and many times we are. This definitely occurs in the workplace. think of how many whites that are our supervisors take credit for OUR work once it is presented and receives accolades never giving credit where credit is due. Actually this is just one of many lessons Ms. Williams will learn on her life journey as an African American child and woman.
The actions of the school administrator and its teachers are reprehensible!! Their response to Ms. Williams’ essay contravenes every child’s right to an education and Ms. Williams constitutional right to freedom of speech. Ms. Williams progressive, critical and analytical impressions of Frederick Douglass’ first autobiography should have been embraced, celebrated and used as an opportunity for further informed dialogue. Perhaps, the bravery and tenacity shown by both Ms. Williams and her mother, in the face of School #3′s extremely biased and antiquated view point, is a blessing. Now other parents can begin to reflect and ask meaningful questions about their child’s education at School #3 and decide whether there needs to be a collective response and a high degree of accountability on the part of the administration and teachers.
i agree,i will be touting this young African American woman everywhere i can ,i do a Black History segment on facebook and have a small readership my name on Facebook is Wayland Bing Bryant and it is mostly familial about my father and me but this deserves to be pushed and put out there.i also will advise all to call!!!!
Make an anonymous phone call appealing to the Rochester chapter of the KKK. The public support they will show for this “racially persecuted” school principal should make everyone aware (rather quickly) just how closely their treatment of Ms. Williams resembles a shameful chapter of American history.
So sad to read this, it is absolutely disgraceful!! I solute Jada’s parents for bringing up such a bright, fabulous daughter, take courage Jada, continue what you are doing because you show leadership qualities and it may be a struggle but you will achieve much.
Our children are too precious to leave their educational needs solely to the same system that enslaved our ancestors and are crucifying our children’s minds. We need to teach our children to be free-thinkers and to read and learn their ‘his/herstory’….
The running joke is ‘if you want to hide something from a black man put it in a book’….. Afraid?? Yes they are because knowledge leads to empowerment, unity and strength…and brings shame on those who are guilty of these atrocities.
This article is way too biased to be taken seriously. Watch the video of her speaking in the article. She’s a reactionary racist. She shouldn’t be persecuted for having beliefs, but my guess is that she became hard to handle after reading that book. She asks, ‘why would white teachers give us a book about Frederick Douglass, obviously they don’t expect us to understand it.’ Of course some stupid cunt agrees with her on this point at the end of her speech. Here’s a better question, ‘why would your teachers hand you information that they didn’t expect you to understand?’
She accuses her white teachers, and her white teachers only, of oppressing her and her fellow students of color, for their own lack of motivation to learn. She says, ‘our teachers hand out pamphlets, and expect us to read and understand the instructions and do the work,’ like it’s an insult.
The worst part, is the retards who are enabling her. Telling her that she’s fighting the good fight. It’s embarrassing what some minority communities do to themselves. While racism still occurs, there is no rampant conspiracy to keep minorities down, they do it to themselves, and shit like this doesn’t help. Prejudice falls more along economic lines nowadays; when minorities play the race card nowadays, they are usually playing it on themselves.
Unfortunately America’s public education system is no longer about education and learning but about indoctrination and disseminating liberal propaganda to the point it should be called brainwashing.
To often the bright student is dumbed down to the level of the lowest student in the class for 2 reasons: 1) to prevent the slower student from feeling failure and 2) “classromm management
” aka making it easier for the teacher to control the classroom.
Why does it always have to be a race card. When we finally get to the point where color isn’t talked about period is when this world will be a better place. Why should having a certain color skin define who you are as a person. Why is that its even in the category of how to see someone. Its when we looks past that and realize ITS JUST SKIN. We are all Human. We all bleed red. Im so sick and tired of people discriminating against someone because of color. Then we get put in this categories of White racists or Black racist. Can we not all move past this a realized our ancestors did some messed up stuff. That was not us? Lets make the change. ONE LOVE. We can be proud of our history and culture without putting so many lines drawn in the sand.
I really think Brown vs The Board of Education got it all wrong! What amazes me is that people of color did much more with less when schools were seprate and unequal. School intergration in my opinion was designed to cheat or not give the same opportunities as “white” schools (because of lack of funding) under segregated education. When you think about it schools are still segregated and is done so through class structure. I will call on behalf of my sister but privatization of schools are going on they are called Charter Schools where are our black leaders?
Eric’s comment — Grow up. If you can’t discuss an issue without interjecting immature and derogatory comments, then you really need to refrain from opening your mouth. You lose any credibility the moment you resort to insulting those with whom you do not agree.
Her paper sounds really well written. Has someone suggested to her that she submit it for publication elsewhere? An op-ed in a national paper, or maybe a race/politics blog? It would be at least as competent as the stuff I see in the local big name newspaper.
I agree with many of her statements as presented here and as an educator she is correct in many of her observations,but in the same sense I think her comments can apply to all races of students in our present time.She showed great determination in learning as she gathered other materials to assist in her learning- how did she know how to use them? I’m sure it was a teacher that presented those materials to her.Just as the master’s wife introduced Frederick Douglas to books and then he was able to expand on his own,that is what should happen.Booker T. Washington taught himself how to read.All students need to realize that the teacher is there to guide and assist you in becoming an independent learner.It does not ALL fall on the teacher.It takes a community: parents, teacher, administration, and STUDENT to find the path to success.While Jada has some great points,my hope is that Jada is positive about her desires and is not judgmental of others for the color of their skin.I’m curious to know if her African-American teachers teach differently than the White teachers she speaks of as she made no reference to this?I also wonder if she talked to her teachers about her concerns of needing more of a challenge.It seems to me that she got the challenge, and a learning experience, that she was seeking through being offered this book .I think that our country has come a long way and even though it’s saddening to say that racism and its ways still exist,let’s not make it our focus.Let’s make the future our focus- EVERYONE needs to learn from the past and strive to make a positive change for the future.
On anything like this I like to hear both sides of the story. Parents can be blinded to their children’s shortcommings certainly and race is an easy card to play. That said the school is deafening in its silence. If this was a case of a disruptive student being shown the door then they could have easily resolved matters by producing the poor test results and other hard evidence. As it is it sounds like an ideal situation to make a legal matter out of. If the school is acting legitimately (and I DON’T believe they are) let them prove it to a judge.
I am ashamed as a former school teacher but not surprised at the “Hate” that has become the hallmark of America. This type of “proud to be a bigot” is gaining popularity. Pray the devil away.
Thanx for posting this.
And Great reply Bro Mubarak.
Thankyou for Jada for speaking out and the courage of her parents to do what they must to further care for your daughter. Please keep up the fight, because she must know to keep up the fight as a leader as she proved to be so that others follow course and speak about these conditions that still exist, denied yet obvious.
Since I haven’t read the essay I can’t say for certain what she said but according to this article the kid was attempting to make an analogy in her life to help people understand her point that slavery is bad and continues in some form to this day. Even though her analogy isn’t very good, it isn’t bad for a 13 year old. Unless the student was attempting to make a fuss which can be quelled by public school administrators, the teachers/administrators should have kept their heads level and worked with the situation. Instead it blew up and everyone in the school is going to have cope with intense emotions being created whether they be good or bad. A good piece of advice I learned from a friend was whenever controversial ideas are being put forth there should be a scholar present to help put forth correct information. This school really needs some scholars right now.
What’s so sad is that this is not a story about just Rochester. This is the story of the reality faced by many many students across the US. And not just black or other minority students – this is what happens when teachers don’t believe in kids. This is what happens when hope is lost. What most kids need to succeed is ONE – just ONE – person to ever tell them they are worthy – that they can succeed. This girl is so worthy. And that school – and its teachers – is not.
this would have been the perfect time for the teachers to show how far we have come…but instead they tried to set us back and showed that we still have so far to go…the teacher and the principal should be fired for their behavior…
This is a very sad story for me and the school should not be allowed to get away with what they put her through. I am an avid Black History Researcher and I have read The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass many times. Truth is ‘slaves’ was not allowed to learn to read and wright – it was against the law(Black Codes). 13-Year-Old Jada Williams is wise beyond her years – she understands that ‘to read’ is the gateway to obtaining knowledge and and building a good life for oneself. What she said about her white teachers is quite profound – she forced them to see that they was not doing their job and they did what their slave owner ancestors did – they rebutted her, they ‘threw her away’. They, the school, could not let her stay and be reminded of their shortcomings. Kudos to the Frederick Douglas Foundation for recognizing the merits of her essay and making efforts to get the school to do the right thing. I call the number they listed, however, got not answer – I will keep trying. If you feel strongly about this please call and see if you can get through. Hang in there Jada…hang in there.
This is so sad that a teacher would go this length to have Jada suspended from school because of a good essay that she was told to write. Jada you are a strong young girl and I am proud of you and how you handle this essay. You should be awarded with a good grade and honor in writing how you feel about learning about the history of Fredrick Douglas so that other students will be able to learn just as well. Hold your head up and stand tall because you deserve a pat on the back for your bravery and education in writing such a wonderful essay.
One smart child represents the matter of an awakened melanated soul to the devils in a completely different manner. Jada wrote facts. These Albions know we are awake and their time is up. They have deliberately teaching falsehoods. They teach we all came here on slave ships. They teach white supremacy. When no such thing exists. Albions represent sickness. The actions of the devils that would dare harass a child plainly demonstrates this. They all work together to keep the lies going. We need to take care of our own. We need our own teachers, own curriculum, we need volunteers. Contact me if you’re interested. Melanatedmovement@gmail
As a former teacher and reading specialist, I am impressed with Jada and her efforts to comprehend a challenging book, write a comparative essay, and read it aloud for others. This took courage!
I am appalled by these teachers who were not only threatened by her essay, but were personally threatened by Jada speaking out and exposing her truth. What kind of real teacher does this? They have forgotten their role and duty as teachers. They are more concerned with themselves and not in addressing the issues and facts.
These teachers should have consulted with Jada, asked her for suggestions, employ her to be part of a movement to understand how to successfully teach these students. Instead, they reacted negatively to what could have been a very positive outcome.
I had an opportunity once in my career as a reading specialist and director of an academic summer camp for African American students – to promote fluency and accuracy in reading. I wrote a play on the book, Frederick Douglass Fights For Freedom by Margaret Davidson. The students performed this play in what we call Reader’s Theater. Each day, they had to speak their lines with accuracy and inflection. They gained not only the ability to read, but also gained confidence in themselves as speakers and were empowered with the works of Frederick Douglass and his contribution to Black America.
These teachers have a lot to learn themselves and this young girl should be awarded a scholarship to a real school who is interested in teaching and learning!
This young lady I applaud.and to her parents I applaud even louder.Because of your faith in their daughter.They not only backed her to the fullest, refused to sit idly by,but instead got involved in the injustice of their daughter.
I have read all the posts and agree and disagree one person said that the white teachers were wrong for doing this and they were acting like slave owners, how do we know that the teachers and principal are even White? I don’t see anything wrong with what the young lady wrote she was asked to write an essay and what she choose to her was how SHE felt ok nothing wrong with that yes the school playing the game they are is ignorant but really why do we keep going back to the race thing black people today are not slaves and why take it out on all the white people that your ancestors were I am white but NONE of my family are from the US I was the first one born here so I had nothing to do with it nor my family get over it I know it was horrible and ungodly act to enslave any Human being with as a slave but it’s over ain’t happening again so why use it as an excuse????? Black people are just as racist as white if not more so…. who cares what color we are we are all human beings and Gods creatures if stop feeding in to this crap the world would be a much nicer place!
Even though the essay pertains to blacks and their lack of proper education, this issue should apply to all students whatever their ethnicity. It’s a sad commentary when public school teachers cannot stand up to some honest constructive criticism. I feel bad for any child caught in the web of public education today. Not all children have the determination and support at home that Miss Williams if fortunate enough to enjoy. They need that to be encouraged to share there concerns from their teachers and families if they are to succeed in today’s world.
Someone should not only contact this school, but grab the attention of President Obama through Department of Health, Education and Welfare! These teachers need to be reprimanded or even removed for the abuse this child had suffered!
This is a one-sided story, and a very scary one if true even in part. But, the school system cannot really respond to their side of this story, as they’d be divulging information about a minor. Plus, the school system doesn’t benefit either way (really liable or being falsely accused) by using the media to run the story.
I can believe a teacher responded poorly and inappropriately to this type of essay. I can believe one teacher, maybe even two, engaging in conduct to respond poorly to a teenage girl and make the situation worse.
I can’t believe ALL of her teachers engaged in a conspiracy of claiming she was “angry” with no provocation. I can’t believe that ALL of her teachers AND administrators refused to show graded assignments.
This doesn’t fully pass the “smell” test of being the WHOLE truth. There’s obviously a good portion of it here, with the initial essay and factual confirmed things that happened next. But who did what afterwards, and what is the other side of this story, is unknown.
In the internet age, we have to use our heads to reason on whether a story we hear is truly represented the way it says it is or not. This one here tugs at our hearts, but our minds say that there certainly is something fishy with the school and the teacher, but there’s something fishy about the family and the claims that are being made.
What would be best here is a public court case, not a one-sided story nor it being played out in the media.
While I can agree with a couple of your statements, I really don’t see where you detected anger or reactionary racist in Jada’s presentation of her work. If were as quick as you to form snap judgments with no basis in fact, I might think you were a bit racist yourself. Fortunately for both of us, I recognize that might be a mistake.
@Jada and her parents-
As a white man, it would be folly for me to say that I know how you must feel. I think I do, however, have a hint of an idea. Jada, you are obviously NOT just a student. Students should learn facts, theories and formulas… learners, on the other hand, learn how to think! They are the individuals that will give us tomorrow’s facts, theories and formulas. Don’t be discouraged, Jada. You are a learner, and you have learned some valuable lessons in this little fiasco.
Aside from understanding Douglass, you have understood latent prejudice, which in this case, may be more student/teacher-based than black/white. You dared to speak out against an injustice that you saw being perpetrated, in a way that threatened them, so they responded on the only way they knew how. They banded together and attacked their attacker. That certainly doesn’t make it right… but since it’s human nature, it’s a lesson that should serve you well in your life.
You’ve also learned the great value of having the support of others, particularly your parents. I suspect there are many others that “have your back”. It’s a good feeling, I’m sure. Please count me among your supporters.
And I hope you still possess a strong sense of justice. There is much injustice in the world, but justice has a way of surfacing, as well, as long as there are people like yourself, willing to speak out constructively. That some listeners won’t hear it as constructive because it challenges their beliefs, means little, at the end of the day. As long as you speak fairly, you’ll continue to sway the thoughts of others, little by little.
Just remember always, Jada… don’t judge all whites by the actions of a relative few. There are more decent folks in the world than bad, in any race.
This is outrageous! Not only are we having to deal with race based retaliation in the workplace, but now our youth have to face this for simply embracing free speech. Unbelievable.
Yes, they asked her to write the essay. Yes, she did a stellar job of interpreting the text. However, did she write responsibly? Wasn’t her approach intentionally inflammatory?
It seems to me that despite intellectual aspirations and the pursuit of excellence, there is still room for respect for authority. She is still a student in school and were her words in the form of snide comments made directly to teachers or blurted out in the halls, there would likely be less sympathy for her.
Her words were far too direct and though they may demonstrate an understanding of the text they are based on, they do not reflect an understanding for any of the greater influences affecting and propagating the perceived injustices. Her words were over-simplified and made villains of teachers who, for all she knows may not have the tools available to them to achieve what she feels they should.
Her fellow students, who she feels are being denied, may very well be denying themselves. Teachers today have so little in the way of means to do their jobs. In terms of physical tools they are often lacking appropriate supplies. When it comes to the social tools needed for effective learning, they are often left ill-equipped as well, deprived of any real authority, support from administration and/or their community. I know of very few teachers who, by their own will and intent, fail to educate.
it’s not about a race or religion. EVERY child deserves the same quality of education but realistically won’t get it. This is an international problem. She had the right to express her opinion but she shouldn’t have just focused in on a teacher color. As a teacher I agree that their are many bad teachers out their that shouldn’t be teaching. The school system in the US is failing every child.
What kind of teachers are at this school? This is a sad day for educators everywhere.
They should be commending the girl for a well researched, well analyzed essay.
Clearly, this bright young mind has a perception that could help us get beyond the treatment that has in many ways supported the decline in the education of America;s children in general. To much political correctness and not enough righteousness. This family was disrespected as ctizens who pay taxes that employ teachers and other public servants. Not only teachers misuse and abuse the people they are supposed to serve. The practice extends to the social service workers, police, politicians and the list gets longer. Woe to us if we don’t learn to see more clearly and help rather than hinder the mind that thinks beyong what is acceptable to us personally.
I remember Providence RI wanted to/or fired all of their teachers because of performance. This should occur here as well. Firing should not stop at just the teacher, but at the Education administration as well. They know the history of her grades before the persecution, and they generally will not wan much from there.
Later in life when she receives a Noble prize or some other notoriety, they will want to claim her as one of their own.
Fire all of them teachers, administrators and all who are involved. If the Mayor or Governor does not react to this it says a lot about their conviction to the oath they had taken.
Her contention that educated people makes them less “manageable as slaves” is absolutely bang on. With her essay she has exposed what is emerging as a dark underbelly of the true intent of the current public education system, which is not really to bring up young people to be free and independent thinkers, but to make them able to read, understand and follow orders and instructions but not to question them.
I side with her in imploring others to be learners not just students.
The DISRESPECT displayed is not degrading to achievers who strive for excellence, and there is nothing the school and the administrators in Rochester and across this land we call the free and home of the brave can do to stop it!
Let it become one of those teachable moments for each of us to stand firm for our HUMAN RIGHTS and FREEDOM OF SPEECH in the classroom to the boardroom.
Stand tall Ms. Williams, your courage to write an essay of this magnitude speaks volume. I commend you for your bravery.
Young People Learning is Power. Spread the news: Grab as much knowledge as you can and pass it on.
Each One Teach One!
Our children are too precious to leave their educational needs solely to the same system that enslaved our ancestors and are crucifying our children’s minds. We need to teach our children to be free-thinkers and to read and learn their ‘his/herstory’….
The running joke is ‘if you want to hide something from a black man put it in a book’….. Afraid?? Yes they are because knowledge leads to empowerment, unity and strength…and brings shame on those who are guilty of these atrocities.
She accuses her white teachers, and her white teachers only, of oppressing her and her fellow students of color, for their own lack of motivation to learn. She says, ‘our teachers hand out pamphlets, and expect us to read and understand the instructions and do the work,’ like it’s an insult.
The worst part, is the retards who are enabling her. Telling her that she’s fighting the good fight. It’s embarrassing what some minority communities do to themselves. While racism still occurs, there is no rampant conspiracy to keep minorities down, they do it to themselves, and shit like this doesn’t help. Prejudice falls more along economic lines nowadays; when minorities play the race card nowadays, they are usually playing it on themselves.
To often the bright student is dumbed down to the level of the lowest student in the class for 2 reasons: 1) to prevent the slower student from feeling failure and 2) “classromm management
” aka making it easier for the teacher to control the classroom.
Her parents also should explain to her that speaking truth comes with a price and that all those before her that also spoke truth paid a price.
It all began when Jesus paid the ultimate price for speaking truth and since then every man, woman or child pays a price for speaking truth.
Having been persecuted and expelled from school is the price you pay for speaking truth however rejoice and be exceeding glad because….
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Sincerely, Enoch Mubarak
President/CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
http://www.mubarakinter-prizes.co?m
And Great reply Bro Mubarak.
Thankyou for Jada for speaking out and the courage of her parents to do what they must to further care for your daughter. Please keep up the fight, because she must know to keep up the fight as a leader as she proved to be so that others follow course and speak about these conditions that still exist, denied yet obvious.
Ted Harge
I am appalled by these teachers who were not only threatened by her essay, but were personally threatened by Jada speaking out and exposing her truth. What kind of real teacher does this? They have forgotten their role and duty as teachers. They are more concerned with themselves and not in addressing the issues and facts.
These teachers should have consulted with Jada, asked her for suggestions, employ her to be part of a movement to understand how to successfully teach these students. Instead, they reacted negatively to what could have been a very positive outcome.
I had an opportunity once in my career as a reading specialist and director of an academic summer camp for African American students – to promote fluency and accuracy in reading. I wrote a play on the book, Frederick Douglass Fights For Freedom by Margaret Davidson. The students performed this play in what we call Reader’s Theater. Each day, they had to speak their lines with accuracy and inflection. They gained not only the ability to read, but also gained confidence in themselves as speakers and were empowered with the works of Frederick Douglass and his contribution to Black America.
These teachers have a lot to learn themselves and this young girl should be awarded a scholarship to a real school who is interested in teaching and learning!
You must slept your way through school. Pity you have all the privileges at your fisposal & this is the best you have to offer?
If it wasn’t so pathetic,it would be laughable!
Someone should not only contact this school, but grab the attention of President Obama through Department of Health, Education and Welfare! These teachers need to be reprimanded or even removed for the abuse this child had suffered!
This is a one-sided story, and a very scary one if true even in part. But, the school system cannot really respond to their side of this story, as they’d be divulging information about a minor. Plus, the school system doesn’t benefit either way (really liable or being falsely accused) by using the media to run the story.
I can believe a teacher responded poorly and inappropriately to this type of essay. I can believe one teacher, maybe even two, engaging in conduct to respond poorly to a teenage girl and make the situation worse.
I can’t believe ALL of her teachers engaged in a conspiracy of claiming she was “angry” with no provocation. I can’t believe that ALL of her teachers AND administrators refused to show graded assignments.
This doesn’t fully pass the “smell” test of being the WHOLE truth. There’s obviously a good portion of it here, with the initial essay and factual confirmed things that happened next. But who did what afterwards, and what is the other side of this story, is unknown.
In the internet age, we have to use our heads to reason on whether a story we hear is truly represented the way it says it is or not. This one here tugs at our hearts, but our minds say that there certainly is something fishy with the school and the teacher, but there’s something fishy about the family and the claims that are being made.
What would be best here is a public court case, not a one-sided story nor it being played out in the media.
While I can agree with a couple of your statements, I really don’t see where you detected anger or reactionary racist in Jada’s presentation of her work. If were as quick as you to form snap judgments with no basis in fact, I might think you were a bit racist yourself. Fortunately for both of us, I recognize that might be a mistake.
@Jada and her parents-
As a white man, it would be folly for me to say that I know how you must feel. I think I do, however, have a hint of an idea. Jada, you are obviously NOT just a student. Students should learn facts, theories and formulas… learners, on the other hand, learn how to think! They are the individuals that will give us tomorrow’s facts, theories and formulas. Don’t be discouraged, Jada. You are a learner, and you have learned some valuable lessons in this little fiasco.
Aside from understanding Douglass, you have understood latent prejudice, which in this case, may be more student/teacher-based than black/white. You dared to speak out against an injustice that you saw being perpetrated, in a way that threatened them, so they responded on the only way they knew how. They banded together and attacked their attacker. That certainly doesn’t make it right… but since it’s human nature, it’s a lesson that should serve you well in your life.
You’ve also learned the great value of having the support of others, particularly your parents. I suspect there are many others that “have your back”. It’s a good feeling, I’m sure. Please count me among your supporters.
And I hope you still possess a strong sense of justice. There is much injustice in the world, but justice has a way of surfacing, as well, as long as there are people like yourself, willing to speak out constructively. That some listeners won’t hear it as constructive because it challenges their beliefs, means little, at the end of the day. As long as you speak fairly, you’ll continue to sway the thoughts of others, little by little.
Just remember always, Jada… don’t judge all whites by the actions of a relative few. There are more decent folks in the world than bad, in any race.
It seems to me that despite intellectual aspirations and the pursuit of excellence, there is still room for respect for authority. She is still a student in school and were her words in the form of snide comments made directly to teachers or blurted out in the halls, there would likely be less sympathy for her.
Her words were far too direct and though they may demonstrate an understanding of the text they are based on, they do not reflect an understanding for any of the greater influences affecting and propagating the perceived injustices. Her words were over-simplified and made villains of teachers who, for all she knows may not have the tools available to them to achieve what she feels they should.
Her fellow students, who she feels are being denied, may very well be denying themselves. Teachers today have so little in the way of means to do their jobs. In terms of physical tools they are often lacking appropriate supplies. When it comes to the social tools needed for effective learning, they are often left ill-equipped as well, deprived of any real authority, support from administration and/or their community. I know of very few teachers who, by their own will and intent, fail to educate.