The Brown County Schools administration is gathering more information about a note sent to elementary school parents that gives them the option to keep students out of lessons about equity and understanding differences.
The note was sent home from a staff member at Sprunica Elementary School earlier this month informing families about lessons students were going to learn related to “equity, caring and understanding differences” in honor of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day.
The lessons were to happen from Feb. 14 to 25.
“Studies show that students who have a greater understanding of diversity in the classroom and outside world will demonstrate improved learning outcomes such as improved grades, better peer relationships and greater career success later on,” the note reads.
“These lessons can provide a great impact on students and help facilitate a better learning environment for all.”
The note further instructs families who wanted to opt their student out of the lessons to fill out a form included with the note and have the student return it to their teacher. Families who wanted their children to learn the lessons were not instructed to do anything further.
An image of the note was shared to Facebook, but did not include the name of the staff member or school. Parents and community members began to ask in the comments on one post featuring the note about which school it came from and expressed concern about what lessons students may not be learning in history class.
On Feb. 16, Superintendent Emily Tracy released a statement regarding the note and stated the district was gathering more information about the situation.
“In the meantime, know that we support teaching about the facts in our history including historical injustices,” the statement reads.
“Our district is and will continue to be committed to having compassion for all and supporting an education community that will allow all students, staff, families and community members the opportunity to feel welcome.”
Tracy would not comment further when asked what grades would be taught the lessons at Sprunica or if the lessons were still scheduled to happen.
“We do not allow students and parents to opt out of required curriculum, including instruction on social studies and histories,” Tracy said in an email this afternoon.
“Any decision related to parental consent and curriculum determinations are made in accordance with the law. We are looking into the matter to determine the justification for the language included in the letter. We will respond to any parental concerns on an individualized basis.”
