Is it mandatory that one learns about African American Culture/Heritage?

Question

Ok, here's the deal. My younger sister got suspended from school today because the school started an African American Heritage study all this week. In her Social Studies class they were gonna go through anything that had to do with African Americans. My sister refused to do any work related to it or sit there and listen. I know my family is not racist, I'm not sure where she picks stuff like that up, but the she never made a rude comment, she just said and I quote "I don't want to learn about African American culture, why should it be mandatory for me to learn it". After that she refused to listen or do the work, and she got sent to the Principals office where she then got suspended. What is going on? Can they suspend her for that? Is it mandatory for everyone to learn and appreciate(forced or not) African American Culture/Heritage? I think they did my sister wrong.

Answer 1

Why shouldn't she learn about it? Would learning about it hurt her in some way? The teacher must abide by government regulations when forming curriculum and the students must behave when given assignments. I think I might know where she is getting the attitude, you yourself said that they "did her wrong." I find it hard to believe that she was punished for her actions in your home. In her mind, you just said it was ok to behave like that.

Answer 2

It is not mandatory that each student learn about African American culture per se. But each school district decides what is and is not mandatory for the students. So your sister saying she refuses to study African American culture in a school district where that is a requirement is the same as if she said she refuses to learn math, or English.

If she really has a problem with it, she should have your parents speak to the school and see if some kind of arrangement can be made. Or speak to the PTA and see what other parents think. But Kids have pretty much no say on what is taught in the class.

Plus it is just a week. Tell her to suck it up. Black kids have to learn about White Culture all year round.

Answer 3

Many states now require teaching of african-american culture/heritage. It may pop up on state sponsored proficiency tests.
As for the suspension, it takes more than just saying "I don't want to learn about African American culture, why should it be mandatory for me to learn it" and then refusing to work. You have the right to fail! I have many students exercising that right in my chem class. Have your parents go in and talk 1st to the principle and then if needed the superintendant and lstly the school board. Suspension seems a bit harse. Detention or a written report on why she doesn't want to learm about it might have been the better choice.
Lastly, i agree this political correctedness has gone way too far, but the ignorance of some of the responders just shows why we need to learn about african-americans and their culture.

Answer 4

African American studies would be more appropriate as African Americans are part of American history. I don't see why African American culture has any place in schools unless it is an elective. But we don't get to choose so we just have to learn whatever they put on our plate and get a good grade! There is always something to be gained regardless of the category or whether one feels it is relevant. If you wish to pursue this I rec commend you contact the School district.

Answer 5

I won't go into whether everyone should learn about African American History, because I think that's a separate issue from what you are asking.

If the topic was part of the teacher's planned curriculum, then yes, it is required. Regardless of what is being taught, students are required to complete assignments and participate in class. If she was willfully disobeying the teacher and refusing to do work, it doesn't matter whether or not she was rude - she was disrupting the flow of class. So, personally, I don't think they did your sister wrong. If she disagreed with the subject matter, she should have set up time to speak with the teacher outside of class time.

Answer 6

No, I agree with you. I think African American culture should only be taught to people that want to know about the history of African AA cuIture. It shouldn't be mandatory for your sister to hear about African American culture. Usually, it is already her choice; being that most social science books were made to tell the history of America for her perspective (only). Now you understand how some/most black highschool students feel inadequite when they have to sit through social studies classes, listen to American history and hear very little or no information on their own culture' contributions to American society. This is a fact... that happened before, before, before and before.

Answer 7

Hmmm, that's interesting. I think that they can suspend a student for refusing to remain in class regardless of what is going on unless it's is something vulgar or inappropriate.

As for African American studies being "mandatory", does her history class not discuss anything else like Native American history and women's history?? It seems odd to me that African American history is the only history they would focus on -- -- unless the student body is primarily African American -- still, that seems unusual... that they would only focus on one group in regards to American history.

Why is she not interested?

Answer 8

it is a part of our history and should be teached in schools . How did the school do wrong when they were just trying to teach her history . that sounds as crazy as a student refusing to learn how to add in math class

Answer 9

its the liberal run educational system. They have certain cultures that they teach that they believe are better than our own, and other cultures, our own, are devalued. they probably saw that she was "disruptive" in class, and didnt want any african american students to be offended by her outtakes.

Answer 10

she should have gotton suspened **** i dont want to learn about how some people came to america and stold their lands but i have to