Teacher Shut Up (don't mention the war)

The latest (CNN) story about shushing teachers comes from Maine:

"Maine teachers warned: Watch anti-war talk in classroom"

"Maine's top education official (has) warned teachers to be careful of what they say in class about a possible invasion of Iraq."

Memo's such as the one sent to Maine school districts have a chilling effect on teachers. I don't see a problem with presenting both sides of this important question, but what we are seeing appears to be a pre-emptive effort to prevent any mention of war whatsoever. Silence about war makes war more likely.

I'm sending emails to complain that teachers are being silenced. I hope that you will too. We must stop this pro-war drumbeat before it sweeps every school district in the country.

The above official's email address is:

duke.albanese [at] maine.gov

Here are the important links:

Story--

http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/02/28/teachers.iraq.ap/index.html

Other email addresses of Maine School officials--

http://www.state.me.us/education/lsalt/leadership.htm

Picture of the commissioner--

http://www.state.me.us/education/welcome.htm