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In ever increasing numbers, students receive education on-line; there is no eye contact in that situation. Would you say these students are not learning? Would you say that students in the Middle East are not learning simply because their teachers wear burkas?

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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Great discussion. I'm sure many Oregonians didn't know this law existed. I would repeal the law. For those against repealing, I'd ask why... what are you afraid of? If you think your child will be converted to a religion simply because your child's teacher wears religious clothing, perhaps you should examine your relationship with your child and your engagement with his/her school. If you are appropriately engaged with your child's learning environment, and with your child, then a teacher whose identity includes a turban or a headscarf (or other) would be an opportunity for discussion, for conversation, for research and exploration. How do we think our children will become respectful, involved, aware, educated and capable world citizens if we sheild them from exposure to different ideas, different people, different cultures? I expect my children's public school education to expose them to a wide range of unfamiliar symbols, modes of dress, icons, historical and present day -- this is what I hope for, this is part of what will enrich them and our family. We don't want to keep them in a santized bubble.

I don't fear that seeing a teacher dressed in a turban will cause our children to become Sikhs any more than having a gay teacher would cause our children to become gay, or a republican teacher would cause them to become republican, or a teacher who sings beautifully would cause them to develop operatic abilities... I hope that they might want to learn about Sikhs and understand sexuality and develop their own political direction and want to know what Opera is.

Our children will become who they will based on our relationships with them, their own inner strengths and abilities, and providing them with support in seeking knowledge.

Julianna Verboort

preschool teacher

mom to two well rounded and self assured 9 year old children

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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