Take Roberts out of the classroom
David Roberts (letter Nov. 25) has to know that Black Lives Matter has been a controversial political movement from the onset. From its inception, its supporters have been largely liberal Democrats and its critics conservative Republicans.
His claim that “there’s a set of beliefs you’re expected to have here” (Clovis Unified School District) makes it clear he knew he was making a political statement by wearing a Black Lives Matter button. When he states that the button was not political, he is either disingenuous or intellectually incompetent. Either way, he shouldn’t be allowed in the classroom.
At issue here is the question of parents’ taxpayer money being used to support controversial positions they may strongly disagree with. I applaud Clovis Unified for insisting on classroom neutrality vis-a-vis political issues.
One wonders how Mr. Roberts would have handled a student who responded to his stance with a Blue Lives Matter button. I doubt he would have been as magnanimous with the student as he is with himself.
Michael Freeman, Sanger
This story was originally published December 13, 2016 at 12:27 PM with the headline "Take Roberts out of the classroom."