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Collier County Teacher Shows “Confederate History Month” Video to Middle School
In Naples, Florida, a teacher at a Collier County Public School recently showed a video seemingly celebrating “Confederate History Month” to an entire middle school. Now, the school’s principal is offering answers to students who are trying to comprehend what they just saw, while parents are still left with many questions.
Unauthorized Video Presentation Raises Concerns
A video that was narrated and produced by a teacher at Manatee Middle School was shown for all students to see during the morning announcements last Tuesday. “If you didn’t know, April is an officially celebrated month here in the State of Florida named Confederate History Month,” said the teacher in the video. “It should be noted that Confederate History Month is not included within Collier County Public Schools’ curriculum guides and instructional materials.”
A spokesperson for Collier County Public Schools said the teacher acted without “authorization” in showing the video to young students. The district has launched an investigation into the incident.
Principal Works to Provide Answers to Students
The school’s principal has promised to answer students’ questions about the now-infamous video, saying, “Many of our students have questions about the video that was posted last week. Today, every 6th grader will have to chance to ask questions. Tomorrow, I will answer all of those questions. Thursday, students will have more time for understanding if they need it.”
The principal’s message to parents did not provide any specific information regarding the action that will be taken as a result of the investigation, including whether or not the teacher in question will remain in the classroom.
Parents Left with Many Questions
Christine Cooper, whose daughter attends Manatee Middle School, was particularly concerned about the lesson the video was teaching. “Slaves and property rights, over taxation and a variety of violations of state’s right and sovereignty,” the teacher said in the video. “The video got me when it said ‘slavery and property rights’ because to me it just means slavery…and slavery,” said Cooper.
Cooper has many questions, including whether or not the teacher is still in the classroom, but the district has declined to comment on this matter, citing the ongoing investigation. Florida state policy mandates the removal of a teacher from the classroom when the health, safety, or welfare of students is at risk.
Confederate History Month in Florida
The State of Florida recognizes April as Confederate History Month. In Florida, the birthdays of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis, along with Confederate Memorial Day are all considered state-legal holidays. However, the instruction of Confederate History Month is not a part of the Collier County Public Schools’ curriculum.
