Foster's resolution is not solely for political reasons. It is a necessary statement from the TUSD Board that was COMPLICIT with the State in shutting down MAS. Hicks and Stegeman did not merely vote to shutter the program when backed into a corner. They TESTIFIED on behalf of the State and against TUSD in the administrative hearing after Horne and Huppenthal declared MAS in violation of the discriminatory law. They carried Huppenthal's water, as did former Superintendent John Pedicone.
Contrary to earlier posts here, this is not just a matter of learning about Mexican American heritage. As evidenced by the emotional statements of MAS students to the Board, MAS is about changing lives. Anyone who heard them and cares about the fate of disaffected, at-risk young people must look beyond the rhetoric spewed by those with discriminatory motives, which unfortunately resonated with so many.
As a practical and legal matter, the resolution is not necessary to reintegrate components of MAS. However, it is a means by which Hicks, Stegeman and now, unfortunately, Sedgewick (I had hoped she had a spine) can signal to TUSD staff who have been through the wringer that they are free to use their best professional judgment in designing curriculum. The legal victory put the power back with the board. Now they should redeem themselves by letting the professionals do their job.
John Huppenthal, you have no shame. You say Safier is a racist because he supports and wants to improve traditional public schools? You are dissembling. You were judged to have racist motives when you campaigned state-wide, with NO REFERENCE to MAS or to any particular educational program, that you would "Stop La Raza." We remember the dog-whistle that promise sent to voters in Maricopa County and the far corners of the state in the aftermath of SB 1070. By appealing to racist sentiments to get votes, you became a racist yourself, no matter how many brown people you grew up around. Sedgewick and Hicks should contemplate that.
To: To evaluate policy... I'm sure Huppenthal is heartened to know that after everything he has done, there is still a faction of Pima County Dems that have his back.
John Huppenthal, with your well-documented record of A): discriminating against Mexican-American students; and B): making stupid, vile, racist blog posts, you are the last person who should be talking about "poor dears from the hood."
Further, your insinuation that concerned, informed citizens like David Safier and Betts Putnam-Hidalgo are motivated to keep lower-income kids from succeeding and under "our control" is just plain wacky. Reasonable people may disagree about this course, but your implication makes no sense.
I guess if you haven't already learned to check yourself before posting, you never will.
In addition to "Dark Money" by Jane Mayer (which is a must read in my opinion), anyone who is interested in the motivations of the Koch Brothers and their followers should check out the website: unkochmycampus.org
It's a much bigger reach into our society than one might think at first glance.
Tracking demographic enrollment data is key to desegregation efforts. For many years TUSD posted data on its website that was updated daily. As far as I can tell, no new data has been posted since last school year. Am I wrong? Can anyone point to where is the new home for this data? Why the lack of transparency?
More importantly, why did TUSD change reporting this data? What is gained and by whom? Nothing is gained by those who seek integration.
This is not how a district that endeavors to integrate conducts business.
Thank you Mark for not hiding your true self. You THANKED and AGREED with Tucson Observer's comment placing the blame for racial disparity in drop out rates on parents:
"Minority students are dropping out at higher rates than whites. The answer isn't to look at why this is the case with the students, be it taking parental responsibilities at home despite being minors, lack of discipline at home, disrespecting teachers and school administration in the application of consequences for bad behavior, etc. No, you can't blame bad parents; "culturally-relevant courses" is the cure all to the disastrous effects of single-motherhood and other crimes parents (more like sperm and egg donors) commit."
Your reply:
"TucsonObserver: Yes, I agree. Thanks."
You really could use a course in critical race theory. There is plenty of blame to go around for a problem like this. As a board member, you should know this and you have just revealed one of many reasons you should be voted out.
"Accurate American history" IS a dog whistle, plain and simple. Thanks to Jorgenson for saying so and doing the right thing. We should not have such short memories to forget Stegeman's role in shutting down MAS.
Stegeman testified for Huppenthal AGAINST TUSD and called MAS a cult. He was not a reluctant witness. When he was called to testify, he brought a book with him to the witness stand. Apparently, he believed it supported his accusation. When he tried to start reading from it, the judge had to admonish him to merely answer the questions. Stegeman actively worked against TUSD to sabotage a program in his own district.
Recent Comments
Contrary to earlier posts here, this is not just a matter of learning about Mexican American heritage. As evidenced by the emotional statements of MAS students to the Board, MAS is about changing lives. Anyone who heard them and cares about the fate of disaffected, at-risk young people must look beyond the rhetoric spewed by those with discriminatory motives, which unfortunately resonated with so many.
As a practical and legal matter, the resolution is not necessary to reintegrate components of MAS. However, it is a means by which Hicks, Stegeman and now, unfortunately, Sedgewick (I had hoped she had a spine) can signal to TUSD staff who have been through the wringer that they are free to use their best professional judgment in designing curriculum. The legal victory put the power back with the board. Now they should redeem themselves by letting the professionals do their job.
John Huppenthal, you have no shame. You say Safier is a racist because he supports and wants to improve traditional public schools? You are dissembling. You were judged to have racist motives when you campaigned state-wide, with NO REFERENCE to MAS or to any particular educational program, that you would "Stop La Raza." We remember the dog-whistle that promise sent to voters in Maricopa County and the far corners of the state in the aftermath of SB 1070. By appealing to racist sentiments to get votes, you became a racist yourself, no matter how many brown people you grew up around. Sedgewick and Hicks should contemplate that.
Further, your insinuation that concerned, informed citizens like David Safier and Betts Putnam-Hidalgo are motivated to keep lower-income kids from succeeding and under "our control" is just plain wacky. Reasonable people may disagree about this course, but your implication makes no sense.
I guess if you haven't already learned to check yourself before posting, you never will.
It's a much bigger reach into our society than one might think at first glance.
More importantly, why did TUSD change reporting this data? What is gained and by whom? Nothing is gained by those who seek integration.
This is not how a district that endeavors to integrate conducts business.
"Minority students are dropping out at higher rates than whites. The answer isn't to look at why this is the case with the students, be it taking parental responsibilities at home despite being minors, lack of discipline at home, disrespecting teachers and school administration in the application of consequences for bad behavior, etc. No, you can't blame bad parents; "culturally-relevant courses" is the cure all to the disastrous effects of single-motherhood and other crimes parents (more like sperm and egg donors) commit."
Your reply:
"TucsonObserver: Yes, I agree. Thanks."
You really could use a course in critical race theory. There is plenty of blame to go around for a problem like this. As a board member, you should know this and you have just revealed one of many reasons you should be voted out.
Stegeman testified for Huppenthal AGAINST TUSD and called MAS a cult. He was not a reluctant witness. When he was called to testify, he brought a book with him to the witness stand. Apparently, he believed it supported his accusation. When he tried to start reading from it, the judge had to admonish him to merely answer the questions. Stegeman actively worked against TUSD to sabotage a program in his own district.
Accurate American history, indeed.