After Backlash, Utah School Pulls Option For Students To Opt Out Of Black History Month Education
A school in Ogden, Utah, drew criticism Friday after a Facebook post that allowed parents and guardians to have the option to opt their children out of participating in any Black History Month activities and curriculum.
On Saturday, Maria Montessori Academy director Micah Hirokawa addressed the backlash and said parents will no longer have the option to prevent their children from receiving Black history instruction. Hirokawa said there were "a few families" who had requested the accommodation. The school pulled the Facebook post.
"We regret that after receiving requests, an opt-out form was sent out concerning activities planned during this month of celebration," read Hirokawa's statement. "We are grateful that families that initially had questions and concerns have willingly come to the table to resolve any differences and at this time no families are opting out of our planned activities and we have removed this option."
Hirokawa noted that he "reluctantly" sent out a letter explaining that families had a right to not participate. He also said the situation “deeply saddens and disappoints me.”
The school received backlash on social media.
In Utah, which is 90% White, you can tell which ones are racist: they're the ones who opted their kids out of learning about Black History Month.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) February 7, 2021
Disgusting. https://t.co/Ji0jpfLzmi
SMH🤦♂️
— Complex (@Complex) February 7, 2021
A school in Utah is allowing students to "opt-out" of its Black History Month curriculum.
More: https://t.co/OJaXHVsgpr pic.twitter.com/2agtoGYVTQ
I literally just finished watching a movie about Harriet Tubman & the first thing I see when I open twitter is this. "Students can opt out of Black History Month curriculum in Utah"! That's it, I have no other words to express my disgust.
— MarlyHalli (@HalliMarly) February 7, 2021
“We should not shield our children from the history of our Nation, the mistreatment of its African American citizens, and the bravery of civil rights leaders, but should educate them about it," Hirokawa said.
Fewer than 1% of the school’s 332 students are Black, while 69.6% are white, according to reports.
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