A counselor at an Indiana public school sent a memo to parents allowing them to opt their child out of Black History month lessons.
“In honor of Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, I will be coming around and teaching lessons related to equity, caring and understanding differences,” the memo from Sprunica Elementary School counselor Benjamin White said, according to NBC News.
White admitted there are benefits to teaching Black History in the classroom and pointed to studies that show “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.”
However, he gave parents the option to decline Black history lessons for their child.
“If you would like to opt your child out of receiving these lessons then sign the form below and have your child return it to the school to give it to the teacher,” he wrote.
In a statement the district superintendent Emily Tracy said officials are investigating.
“Our district supports teaching about the facts in our history including historical injustices,” Tracy said. “We are 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.”
This comes as several Republican led states have sought to limit discussions about race in the classroom by banning Critical Race Theory and books centered around race and sexual identity.
