A Wisconsin school district has allegedly trained teachers that parents are “not entitled” to know their child’s identity. This of course sparked outrage among concerned parents.
“Remember, parents, are not entitled to know their kids’ identities. That knowledge must be earned. Teachers are often straddling this complex situation,” read a slide during an Eau Claire Area School District Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion professional development session.
“In ECASD, our priority is supporting the student,” The slide concluded. But since when are parents not entitled to be aware of information obtained about their child by teachers at a public school?
The superintendent of the district decided to reemphasize the slides sentiment in a statement. “Our staff often find themselves in positions of trust with our students. The staff development presentation shared extensive data and information to assist our staff members in our ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” he said.
Teachers are not friends and confidants. They are, in every other instance mandated reporters – the exact opposite of a trustee. Their job is to instruct material that relates to the curriculum, not keep secrets that the student isn’t prepared to tell their parents.
“The ECASD prides itself on being a school district that makes all feel welcome and safe in our schools,” he concluded. People of all walks should feel comfortable and safe at school, but this doesn’t require teachers to withhold information from parents, creating unnecessary tension.