by Jerome du Bois
Was all my huffin and puffin for nuffin? I don't think so.
Yesterday I posted a long collage about Islam in schools in the West, including Arizona, with a specific question for John Baracy and the Scottsdale Unified School District's Governing Board. I emailed them, of course, and what follows after the jump is my colloquy with Mrs. Christine Schild, the President of the Governing Board. I have sent the last email simultaneously with this posting.
I suggest the reader study the phrasing in the few words Mrs. Schild employs, to see how much is left unsaid, how much is avoided. This is a crucial subject --Islamic indoctrination-- and she sails right by it.
[Irresistible aside: By the way, the Board meeting Mrs. Schild refers to in her last email, where she got the informal word from her boss, was about expanding classroom space for "extremely gifted" students. This is what they're concerned about over there. Rings like ka-ching, folds like green. ("It's extremely gifted, not just gifted, you stupid, stupid . . .")]
This story isn't over.
My first email
-----Original Message-----
From: Jerome du Bois [mailto:kinganddubois@cox.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 8:30 AM
To: superintendent@susd.org
Cc: govboard@susd.org
Subject: history alive!
Sir:
This is for the record; I do not expect a reply, and would be
surprised to receive one.
I've asked you a question on my blog, The Tears of Things, in an
article I just published with the title "Turning Arizona Schools Into
Muslim Madrassas --It's Already Begun." You can find it at:
http://www.thetearsofthings.net/archives/000317.html
The question is:
Why won't you allow a seventh-grade social studies textbook, History
Alive!, to go home with the student?
I've emailed the Governing Board with the same question. Thanks for
your attention.
Sincerely,
Jerome du Bois
Her first reply
From: "Christine Schild"
To: "'Jerome du Bois'"
Subject: RE: history alive!
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 11:05:29 -0700
Dear Mr. du Bois,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with the Governing Board.
Yesterday, our Superintendent indicated that TCI's materials, including
History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond have been removed from
consideration.
He also indicated that these materials would be removed from our
schools.
Best wishes,
Christine Schild
Scottsdale USD Governing Board President
Scottsdale Neighborhood Enhancement Commission member
My second email
-----Original Message-----
From: Jerome du Bois [mailto:kinganddubois@cox.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 12:23 PM
To: cmschild@cox.net
Cc: superintendent@susd.org
Subject: history alive
Dear Ms. Schild,
Thank you for your prompt response.
I would like some clarification, though. You used the word
"indicated." That's vague. What does that mean? Did Dr. Baracy make
a formal, written decision? If so, what did it say? Is it publicly
available? And when will the materials be removed?
Sincerely,
Jerome du Bois
Her second reply
From: "Christine Schild"
To: "'Jerome du Bois'"
Subject: RE: history alive
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 17:58:42 -0700
Dear Mr. du Bois,
The district was piloting the book as part of an adoption process.
The books in question will not be considered for adoption.
It is my understanding that Dr. Baracy has communicated to the
curriculum review committee that the materials should be removed.
Since the materials were never actually adopted by the District, there
was no need to take any formal, written action.
He communicated this information to me informally at last night's Board
meeting and I haven't had a chance to follow up on time lines.
Best wishes,
Christine Schild
Scottsdale USD Governing Board President
Scottsdale Neighborhood Enhancement Commission member
My third and latest email
Mrs. Schild:
No offense, but you obviously haven't done your homework on us. In fact, I doubt you read the article I referred to in my first email. After all that digging, you think I'm going to go away after you wave generalities like "communicated . . . informally" at me? That just sounds like the high jingo to me; nothing to see here, move along, the expensive people have the situation well in hand. Uh-huh.
My first email --with its core question still unanswered today-- was addressed to Dr. Baracy primarily, then the Governing Board. I did not have your personal email at that time. Well, Dr. Baracy has yet to show up --even after I taunted him, and asked him to surprise me!-- but out you came within two hours. And just you, nobody else. (And you haven't answered the question either.)
Is it because you're the President of the Board, or because you're a lawyer, or both? If you represent the District officially, or not, I should know that, I think.
In the meantime, all this goes on the blog, right now, simultaneously with this email --you should have been specific before-- along with the following questions:
1. During the "piloting process," was the seventh-grade social-studies book History Alive! allowed to go home with the student?
2. What is the exact title of the seventh-grade social-studies book that will replace the now-orphaned HA! ?
3. Are you concerned about Muslims distorting the information your students are exposed to?
4. Where's Dr. Baracy, polishing his verbal magazine?
Sincerely,
Jerome du Bois
[Update: Okay, around ten this morning we received a reply from Mrs. Schild, and Catherine answered]
From: "Christine Schild"
To: "'Jerome du Bois'"
Subject: RE: more questions than ever
Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2005 10:07:10 -0700
Dear Mr. du Bois,
I understand your frustration. However, there are a number of issues on my plate & I have to pay attention to all of them.
The Superintendent gave me his word and I believe him.
However, I will follow up with the Superintendent. I expect him to call me today on an unrelated matter.
Best wishes,
Christine Schild
Catherine's answer
Mrs. Schild:
"I understand your frustration."
Comment from Catherine King: "Drop the fuzzy fake empathy."
"However, there are a number of issues on my plate & I have to pay attention to all of them."
Comment from Catherine King: "Boo hoo. That's why you get paid the big bucks. Besides, getting back to one of Jerome's original questions, Who is paying you for this? And exactly what is 'this'?"
"The Superintendent gave me his word and I believe him."
Comment from Catherine King: "How does it follow that we should believe him, unless we were born last night? Also, suspiciously, why would you think other people are so stupid as to be so effortlessly dismissed? About questions concerning the Islamic indoctrination of our youth?"
"However, I will follow up with the Superintendent. I expect him to call me today on an unrelated matter."
Comment from Catherine King: "We are talking about a whole generation of minds in an unprecedentedly crucial time, not about your cozy, 'informal,' 'unrelated matter,' 'I believe him' relationship with Dr. Baracy. Your stance is suspect, and we'll be examining your background, and your affliations."
Signed,
Catherine King, with Jerome du Bois
Posted by Jerome at March 10, 2005 09:50 AM | TrackBack