***UPDATE*** A District spokesman tells REDBROWARD this memo was rescinded weeks ago by Superintendent Howard Hepburn. The memo was sent to Park Trails Elementary School parents by mistake. Students will learn about and recite The Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week***
This has to be a joke. Parents across the county are sharing a permission slip sent home to parents from Park Trails Elementary in Parkland. The letter announces “Celebrate Freedom Week” in September. The week will feature teachings on the Declaration of Independence and “American democratic principles.”
According to the letter, the three hour curriculum will have students recite this familiar passage on a daily basis:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
Basic American history, right? Nobody would have a problem with their kids learning about the foundation of the U.S.A, right?
Wrong.
The letter ends with:
“If you would like your child to be excused from reciting from the Declaration of Independence during Celebrate Freedom Week, please sign and return this form to Park Trails Elementary.”
What is going on?
What’s next? Will Parkland students fail to learn about the Constitution?
