The Alaska Watchman recently published an article which directly names some of the teachers, principals and librarians who support providing graphic gay sex books to students in the Anchorage School District.
There has been some concern over the fact that the Watchman published the names, titles and contact information of these educators. Some claim that the problem is systemic, and much larger than any one specific teacher or administrator, and that calling out individuals deflects attention from school board members who are leading this effort.
We agree wholeheartedly that the problem is systemic, meaning it reaches into all levels of the school district. In fact, the school board alone – even if it were so inclined – cannot address this problem without calling to account the scores of teachers, librarians, principals and administrators who are on board with promoting graphic and obscene sex books.
Those who use their power – at whatever level – to order, promote and disseminate this filth to our children need to be known. They are agents of our local government, and as such have an obligation to do their work in the full light of day.
If highlighting their innerworkings is uncomfortable, then so be it. They work for parents.
Unfortunately, many of those who are employed in the layered levels of school bureaucracy stake out little “kingdoms” where they quietly tweak curriculum, order books, develop programs and significantly influence the climate of our schools, all outside the spotlight. That must change.
On a final note, there is a great degree of accountability that comes via parents whose children attend these schools. In fact, this is often the most effective means of addressing controversy – parents bringing concerns directly to those who make lower level decisions. Moms and dads cannot have these discussions if they never know who these people are.
