Many stories and letters have discussed the merits and concerns about the SEED program used in schools.
The Pequot Lakes School Board has said “white privilege” is not the focus of the SEED program. However, since the founder of SEED is also an early adopter of the concept and has published several papers on “white privilege," it seems that the dismissal by the school board of this concern is disingenuous.
The board and superintendent also fail to recognize the concern by many parents regarding the push in our country to teach critical race theory in our schools. CRT also espouses “white privilege."
Being inclusive and aware of all students' needs is important, but putting students in buckets only serves to divide them and our country. Everyone is a human being and should be treated with dignity and respect, not as a person in a predefined bucket.
Several areas about SEED concern me.
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While the board states the basis of “white privilege” is not the focus of the SEED program, how will they prevent that from happening?
Finally, SEED uses the term "equity," not "equality." Equity focuses on equal outcomes while equality focuses on equal opportunity. A focus on equal outcomes is similar to the statement from Karl Marx: “From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.”
I don’t see equal opportunity as being negative, rather the way anyone can succeed whether they wish to be a brain surgeon or a master welder.
I don’t know any parent who does not want their children to be caring, respectful, accepting or responsible in their lives.
Parents who express concern about what is being taught to our children should not be demonized, they should be lauded for being involved in their children’s education.
Dale Probasco,
Backus
