To the Editor:
The Tribune's Our Opinion on 8/11 rightly celebrates the hardworking teachers in our public school systems. Then, just below - coincidentally (?) to the right - there's the letter from Larry Johnson accusing teachers of being "left-leaning liberals" who "have an agenda" influenced by "Democratic Party definitions." I'm not sure how long Mr. Johnson taught in the public school system, but in my 30 years of teaching, I never encountered a liberal agenda.
I've taught algebra and geometry, and the importance in both subjects of providing proof. If you say x = 3.5, prove it. I've also taught how to write a coherent essay with a thesis, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. If you're going to state, "leftists propagandize ideas or information to further damage a cause," you better show evidence. Mr. Johnson does neither.
Black history is American history. Do we teach that the words, "All men are created equal" were written by a slave owner? Do we teach that black men were "allowed" to serve in the U.S. military and fight our enemies overseas only to return to America where they were not allowed to play in baseball's major leagues? Yes, we do. The same way we teach the world's climate is changing and over 97 percent of scientists agree it is "highly likely" human activity is the main cause. (climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus) We also teach that even though one candidate receives over two million more votes than another candidate, it doesn't guarantee a victory for the candidate with more votes because of the Electoral College. (I guess we "left-leaning liberals" are doing a horrible job. We can't get our Democratic Party in charge.)
If Mr. Johnson feels that "black history is too broad a subject for K-12 curriculum," what does he suggest we do with Human Biology, Algebra II, or American Literature? I looked up Mr. Johnson's opening quote; I couldn't find it. He may be thinking of Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" where Atticus tells his daughter, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of viewuntil you climb into his skin and walk around in it." It's a great book, Mr. Johnson, and I highly recommend you read it. Its themes include tolerance for others, justice and combating ignorance. When you finish the book, Google me and we can discuss it.