Alabama school superintendent bans high school history club from seeing ‘Selma’

[babylonsister]

Alabama school superintendent bans high school history club from seeing ‘Selma’
Tom Boggioni
18 Jan 2015 at 17:53 ET


A school trip to the see the historical civil rights drama ‘Selma‘ by a high school history club has been cancelled by the school superintendent over concerns over language, reports WAFF.

DeKalb County school superintendent Hugh Taylor cancelled the outing by students at the predominately minority school, saying he was concerned about obscene language and “racial profanity” in the Oscar-nominated film.

An African-American parent of one senior in the history club who had planned on seeing the film questioned the superintendent’s motives.

“It raises my curiosity as to whether something that they are not wanting exposed or the children not to know about.” said Reverend James Stanton. “I don’t believe it is just about the profanity.”

Stanton, who was 20 in 1965, explained that he lived through the era and was warned to stay away out of safety concerns.

“They did not want me to come down and visit because of the violence and the racial problems that they were having at the time.” said Stanton.

According to Taylor, he is concerned about what would happen if a child was offended by the film and wanted to leave the theater, saying he didn’t think teachers should have to be put in the position of playing parent.

Taylor was elected DeKalb County school superintendent in 2013 despite concerns that he sends his won four children to a private Christian academy.

Watch the video below from WAFF @ link~

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/01/alabama-school-superintendent-bans-high-school-history-club-from-seeing-selma/

[Laffy Kat]

1. Yes, and he's white, of course.

A white, male, evangelical Christian.

[KingCharlemagne]

23. Who sends his own kids to private schools. That's some real in-your-face

hypocrisy there. You cannot make it up. (Dante has a spot reserved for this douchenozzle Taylor in the 8th circle of his Inferno, btw.)

[bigwillq]

64. Most of the administrators of the public schools in my hometown

sent their kids to private schools. SMH

[lpbk2713]

2. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

And evidently this anachronistic clown wants the next generation of Alabamians to turn the calendar back 75 years.

[dixiegrrrrl]

19. That's 75 years from 1950.

The county is 93% white, and a dry county, mostly.

[jtuck004]

58. And sometimes they learn and repeat it anyway. n/t

[gratuitous]

3. They'll say anything, won't they?

"Racial profanity" my sweet Aunt Fanny.

[babylonsister]

4. Exactly. nt

[oberliner]

5. Ridiculous

Send home parental permission slips. Note the bad language. Offer an alternative for the students whose parents do not want them to attend.

[Hekate]

75. That's the way it's normally done throughout the land. The supe is a moron. nt

[Iggo]

6. "...he didn’t think teachers should have to be put in the position of playing parent..."

stupidstupidstupidstupidstupid...

[WinstonSmith4740]

74. You're so right.

stupidstupidstupidstupidstupid

It's called "In Loco Parentis" and is the policy in public schools. As I tell my students, it doesn't mean your parents are nuts, it means that we teachers are acting as their parents when they are in our care. All this would have taken is a note home, with alternative assignments for any kid whose parents object.

[PumpkinAle]

7. Obscene language and "racial profanity"

what a ridiculous excuse - it was the Civil Rights Movement - a major, major part of American history and one where Alabama played a huge role. If the children are upset by the language - let them talk about it and learn why people spoke the way they did and why resorting to obscene language was a release for them.

Let the children learn - history comes in many forms and is a great teacher!

[Rhinodawg]

8. Dumbs*it.

[elleng]

9. And in DC, at MD border,

high school classes planned to attend the viewing together.

[kwassa]

10. The youth group from my church went to see "Selma" this afternoon.

and it is a racially diverse youth group, too.

[d_r]

11. it is pg-13

high schoolers are over 13

[Cha]

12. Of course he did.. it would make me want to see it more though. Can we say Backfire on this

racist fool?

[roody]

13. This is going to backfire on the sup.

[SoapBox]

14. Something smells...

Idiots like this guy are, well, idiots.

Hopefully he'll be out of work soon.

[DemocraticWing]

15. Of course he sends his school to a private "Christian academy"

They used to call those segregation academies, because white people send all their kids to expensive private schools while the public school become nearly all black. And now this segregationist is running the public schools as poorly as possible, hoping to keep the races separate and one race oppressed.

[dixiegrrrrl]

21. He runs the county school system, which is over 90% white up there.

Gotta know your demographics when stories like this come up.
The prime issue in that county/area is poor whites vs. the few rich ones that support the private schools.
The area is not that far from Scottsboro, a place you might have heard of.

The guy does not want the students to learn a different version of the history being taught in his schools.
Little does he realize the movie can be found all over the internet, and in dvd form soon.

I would love to see the curriculum for the private academies that are all over the state, including the one in my town.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

40. ^

It would be fascinating to see those private christian academy curricula, yes.

[freshwest]

42. +100%. And love the sig line.

[avebury]

16. I would hope that the students would be offended

by the treatment of blacks during the Civil Rights Era (and even before that as a matter of fact). I wish that the parents would push to put together a field trip to get as many of the kids to see the movie as possible. If I were one of the parents I would be more then willing to take time off from work to help the kids see the movie.

Taylor is more concerned about white sensibilities then the truth of what was taking place in Alabama during that era. If there is any group with the right to be angry it is the blacks for the way they were treated for years. People like Taylor are afraid that movies like Selma will encourage minorities to stand up for their right to vote in a time when states are trying to pass laws that have the impact of trying to limit the right to vote. It is amazing that, in the 21st Century, Americans once again have to fight for the right to vote.

[marmar]

17. "concerns over language"

Yeah, words like equality, oppression, segregation, racism etc etc.

Dios Mio.

[WinkyDink]

18. I don't mind this administrative decision. Kids and families can go on their own time.

[heaven05]

70. class history

"you don't mind"!!!!!! That's insulting.

[WinkyDink]

76. It's not exactly a documentary. Meh. I've always been more fond of history books. Movies tend to

be less accurate, shall we say.

I'm not, though, opposed to the students seeing "Selma." I showed "Becket" in a couple classes. But I did it IN my class, and didn't interrupt other subject teachers' schedules.

[heaven05]

78. No it's not a documentary

it is a movie about a period of our history that is shameful and evil being perpetrated by ignorant and vicious people at the behest of their masters and that has returned big time. It is also a movie about people having the courage to stand against A COMPLETE CULTURAL SYSTEM that is evil and vicious. Being prepared and understanding what's coming your way is much better than no preparation at all. These young kids must understand what they are facing in this the 21st century of our 'democracy'. Small 'd' and always will be. Yeah I was fond, all through high school, of history books and classes, until I found out how many lies were written on so many pages concerning american exceptionalism.

My service in Vietnam started me questioning the veracity of the claims of what america was trying to accomplish. Man did that open a floodgate. Ever turn your students on to Lerone Bennett, Howard Zinn just to name a couple?

[olegramps]

20. His actions are more damning than the movie.

It tells the students that racism is alive and well in Alabama and they are still considered second class humans.

[mac56]

30. ^ THIS ^

[ananda]

22. So what would happen if they just went anyway...

That's what I would do.

Then, if that sup tried to punish me, I'd sue.

[librechik]

24. teacher gets fired

if it were any place other than Alabama, I would recommend fighting. But the whole legal system there is corrupt. No justice ever in Alabama. teacher would be lucky not to wind up in prison, like the last Democratic Governor there. Jailed for acting Republican while Democrat.

[JohnnyRingo]

25. Bible Belt

I believe the super sidestepped what could have been a nightmare for him. Sure, a few parents in Alabama would be upset their kids were seeing a civil rights movie alone, but I'm sure many would be even more incensed that their kids were exposed to raw language by the school that they expect to shelter them from such blasphemous script. Some would have complained about their kids seeing Fantasia.

I think the superintendent was in a corner here. I don't know him and can't vouch for him of course, but I'm willing to give him a break considering where he teaches. Some of his students probably have parents who monitor TV shows looking for profanity so they can write ranting letters to the networks.

[Feron]

26. In response, teachers should show....

"Eyes on the Prize" in school to their students instead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_on_the_Prize

[shenmue]

28. Terrific series

[3catwoman3]

27. Language concerns my Aunt Fanny.

These are high school kids. I'd be really surprised if there is language in this movie that they all haven't heard, and in many cases probably used on a regular basis.

And how can the principal ban them from doing something done off campus and on their own time?

[Demeter]

29. Could one man be that stupid--or was it a committee decision?

[freedomrock1970]

31. I would Recommend Django Unchained as a Prequel. - NT

[Javaman]

32. buffoon. nt

[Octafish]

33. Gee. Local movie house let in high school and middle school students for free...

...with a parent or adult going to the film.

Anyone wondering: "What's wrong with Alabama?" should also remember Gov. Don Siegelman.

[Initech]

34. But I am sure they're perfectly fine with another club going to see American Sniper.

Or a Ted Nugent concert.

[WinkyDink]

77. Actually, this is a pretty damn dumb comment.

[Initech]

79. Why? Was the sarcasm tag missing?

[hifiguy]

35. Stupidium mixed with bigotuminum

We will never run out of either, it seems. Horseshit on stilts and steroids.

[glasshouses]

36. I can see where a school wouldn't want a 13 or 14 year old to see it

If they are seniors then I don't see a problem.

[sinkingfeeling]

60. Why? It's rated PG-13.

[glasshouses]

65. If it was a documentary that was accurate I could see your point

It's a Hollywood movie and many things have been proved were historically inaccurate.

It's a good movie but that's what it is a Hollywood good movie.

The students can go anytime time they want to watch it on their own time.

[heaven05]

71. Racism and bigotry

are not historically inaccurate neither is the fight against those CONTINUING evils. To see a 'movie' such as this, historically, is a teaching tool. The fight against racism, bigotry and cultural ignorance is not over yet in 50 years that have passed from the time of this 'movie' subject, the racism, bigotry and ignorance is still very prevalent today. "Historically inaccurate" my "aunt fanny".

[avebury]

37. Local 4PM Anchors in OKC support Superintendent's Decision.

I was so pissed off. To them it was all about the language of the movie.

I emailed both of the anchors and tore them a new one. They totally came across as clueless in not even considering the real impact that the movie can make on people.

The film is historically accurate and just because it does not tell a "pretty story" is not grounds to keep high school kids from seeing it. I pointed out that the missed the bigger picture that it teaches a new generation the importance of registering to vote. I also pointed out to them the fact that the WHITE Superintendent sends his children to a private Christian school.

[Indydem]

48. This film is NOT historically accurate.

From the made-up King speeches, to the portrayal of Johnson as an adversary of Dr. King, the majority of the film is made up for good cinema.

[Mass]

38. You mean white people do not look good in this movie?

Frankly, it should be shown to very senior in high school as part of the history program. If there are elements in it that deserve to be corrected, an history teacher should correct them, Inform the parents, give them a choice, but do not forbid it.

[joeglow3]

63. I disagree with your post

I am not speaking to this case specifically, as I have not looked into it enough to form an opinion. However, I believe it is wrong to spend what little classroom time students have to expose them to something that is incorrect and then spend more time telling them what they just spent classroom time on was wrong.

[Stellar]

39. Look, the people in the south have been snatching pages

out of the history books as fast as they could for awhile now. And then, these people come along and started this bs with this movie.

[FLPanhandle]

41. I'm pretty sure HS students hear far worse language in the hallways

Of course, some parent somewhere would complain....

[blkmusclmachine]

43. ..concerned about obscene language and “racial profanity”

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure he was...

[appalachiablue]

44. I hope they also watch "The Butler" online or on TV.

[Bartlet]

45. This is about

a racist not wanting the students he has control over seeing how recent and how close to home the murderous kind of racism was and still is.

[whereisjustice]

46. the ultimate concern troll, eom

[U4ikLefty]

47. That will make them want it see it more.

Many of these students will probably see the movie on "their own time".

This superintendent dude is a chump BTW.

[bigdarryl]

49. The kids will see the movie anyway online free

Most of these kids these days are computer smart this movie is currently online free on several sites.

[malaise]

50. So much for free speech

It is more than selective

[merrily]

52. Agree on selectivity, but the

kids can still see the movie independently of the school.

[oberliner]

55. Nothing to do with free speech

There really is no connection at all.

[merrily]

51. I was not living in Boston (or maybe even living) when "Banned in Boston" was something

that happened regularly. My understanding, though I never tried to verify, is that banning usually increased ticket and book sales. Just saying.

[Jefferson23]

54. The agenda could not be more clear. n/t

[oberliner]

56. Curious to know if he has nixed other proposed movie field trips

Or is it just this one?

[Vinca]

57. The south just can't give it up.

Some combine MLK day with Robert E. Lee day.

[sinkingfeeling]

59. Sounds exactly like an Alabama education to me. Don't need no history.

[Jamastiene]

61. It is a PG-13 movie and these are seniors?

Sounds like a bullshit excuse to me. Imo, that superintendent is using excuses to (try to, in his own mind) hide bigotry.

[treestar]

62. I kind of get it from the school-lawsuit-hysteria perspective

One parent can make a stink over it. If the students in the club want to go, they can still go unofficially.

[Hulk]

66. Wouldn't want the truth to get out to the young, innocent racists of tomorrow.

I totally understand. This would be the LAST thing the racist South would want to have explained to their young KKK members of tomorrow. Hell, it puts the KKK and the thuggish behavior of the disgusting racists in a clear light.

[Scruffy Rumbler]

67. It might be time for Movie Night at the local church.

I wonder if the production company would release a copy for the local church to hold a movie night for the students and their families?
Make a weekend out of it with teach ins!

"predominately minority school"...white superintendent...hmmmm is that the scent of institutional racism?

[TheManInTheMac]

68. He didn't ban them from seeing any film. Why do you think he banned them?

[Chakaconcarne]

83. "Ban" seems a little overdramatic..

I agree it's lame, but given the position the principle is likely in, the unknowns AND the fact that every one of these students can go see it on their own..... "Ban"? Perhaps for the sake of sensationalism (which makes us all look bad BTW). He cancelled the trip.

[heaven05]

69. went to link

figures.....history hurts the guilty only. It edifies the innocent. Obvious intent here and it ain't about language.....

[ecstatic]

72. they still don't get it

And I'm glad. Republicans don't want people to learn about (or to be reminded of) how many people died for the right to vote. This push back against voter registration and now civil rights movies will only speed up their demise. The superintendent's actions will cause millions more to see the film, and, yes, take voting more seriously.

[jtuck004]

73. If the theater had a clue they would offer the whole class free admission on a weekend. n/t

[niyad]

80. does this clueless twit think HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS have never heard swearing before?

[niyad]

81. I give you hugh taylor:

[DawgHouse]

82. Sounds like it would be a nice trip for the history club.

Why not just have the permission slip that says the movie is PG-13? I mean, they have to have a permission slip to get on the bus and go on a trip anyway.

So ridiculous.