Texas High School Shows Fahrenheit 9/11 To Students In Class: Update

As was reported in an earlier story, an administrator at Pathways Learning Center (High School) in Beaumont, Texas, authorized the showing of the "R" rated movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11." This motion picture, made by controversial film maker Michael Moore, is essentially a condemnation of the Bush Administration and its decision to go to war in Iraq.

Parents have complained that because the movie is "R" rated, it should not have been shown without parental permission. Considering that some students are of voting age, parents are also troubled that this movie is too partisan in its viewpoint for viewing (by students) this close to an election.

The Education Wonks believes that the parents have a legitimate concern.

The Beaumont Independent School District has refused comment to various media, including The Education Wonks. At both the school and district levels, they have employed a variety of amateurish tactics designed to "wear the press out." These have included shunting callers to voice mail, secretaries indicating that Certain Administrators were at meetings, Stating that spokes people were off-campus, and, "We already talked to the paper.."

These stone-walling tactics belie the notion of "accountability" that is often forced upon teachers by school administrators, and infer that there is a double standard in place when there are mistakes in judgment. One rule for teachers, and a Different Rule for school administrators.

Refusing to speak to the media, give a statement, or mail a press-release, is contrary to our American ideal of governmental transparency.