Seeing a copy of the Communist Manifesto on a school’s summer reading list wouldn’t cause anyone to bat an eye. But an abundance of conservative literature has folks up in arms at one Alabama public school.
A reading list for Spanish Fort High School’s advanced placement (AP) government and economics class began circulating on social media last week, causing outrage from parents. Upon reading the list, I couldn’t help but laugh while realizing that I’ve read over half of the “controversial” books.
The list was posted on social media, drawing outrage from some parents. Elizabeth Denham, whose son was in the AP class, wrote on her blog she contacted Ponder and then the school to question the assignment.
“I encourage my children to read things they disagree with. To listen to those with opposing perspectives. To be open to ideas other than theirs, but to stand up for their beliefs respectfully. This list did not encourage that philosophy. It presented one side,” Denham said. “And one side filled with pop culture personalities who spew hate and rhetoric – not intellectual, respected authors who offer well-educated ideas from different points of view.”
Baldwin County School Superintendent issued a statement saying the reading list has been removed and is no longer required.
H/T Alabama.com
Now, obviously, I don’t think it’s appropriate for a public school to only promote one side of an ideology, even if it is one I adhere to. I will, however, strongly recommend a number of the books listed: “Freakonomics,” “Liberty and Tyranny,” “Ameritopia,” “Race & Economics,” “Black Rednecks and White Liberals,” and “No They Can’t.”
It’s unfortunate that the school removed the reading list entirely instead of adding some other perspectives to it. I’m sure there would’ve been thousands of parents nationwide rushing to enroll their children in that high school.
Share this if you think public schools have a liberal bias!
