BYRON, Minn. – The Byron School Board got an ear-full from parents and students who find it outrageous that the Board forbids teachers from leading classroom discussion on the Russian genocide in Ukraine. Isn’t genocide an evil? Kids might never know from the Board’s ban on political discussion in the classroom or, lord forbid, taking sides against the geocide. A former student, Audrey Johannes, told the Board that civic engagement is hindered if students aren’t up-to-speed on what’s happening. Johannes presented 100 signatures supporting open engagement in the classroom. The goal, she said, needs to. be “actively helping students become engaged citizens.” That, she said, is the purpose of public education.” The Board has hidden behind cautious legal advice not to take sides in controversial issues. Are there sides on genocide? The Board partially has backed off its earlier ban on Ukrainian flags on student backpacks, lockers and personal gear – but still no Ukraine flags or discussion in classrooms. Ben Olson, a freshman with family that has escaped the genocide, said it’s important to understand what has been happening in Ukraine.
Earlier: Schools chief yields a bit on Byron flag ban
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Mike Nuebeck Byron schools superintendent, in a somewhat confused statement defending the Board: “We want our staff to be able to talk to their kids and be able to express their feelings and be able to try and understand where our kids are at and listen to kids and be able to talk pretty frankly about what’s happening, but also very factually we want them to have the right facts and not just something out there.”