A Utah charter school is catching heat for allowing Caucasian parents to opt their children out of Black History Month lessons. February is Black History Month in America.
Maria Montessori Academy Director Micah Hirokawa issued a statement, saying he “reluctantly” sent a letter to parents informing them that they are able “to exercise their civil rights to not participate in Black History Month at the school.”
Hirokawa expressed disappointment in the parents’ decision not to participate in lessons related to Black history, saying, “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.” It was noted that of the 322 students who are enrolled at the school, only three students are Black.
By comparison, parents who object to schools teaching their children gender equality and LGBT+ classes are not able to opt their children out of the classes due to former President Barack Obama’s executive orders that made the classes part of the mandatory health curriculum in public schools.
Since facing public backlash, the Utah school has reportedly reversed its decision, saying parents can no longer opt their children out of Black History Month lessons.
