A story that went viral this past week dealt with a Washington State middle school teacher who — allegedly — made a stupid comparison about a student’s shirt.
Seventh grader Jack Fischer was wearing a pro-Trump “Build The Wall” t-shirt when his Chinook Middle School language arts teacher took him aside to inform that the message was akin to … a swastika.
“She asked, ‘How would you feel if someone wore a T-shirt with a swastika on it?’ ” Fischer told the Tri-City Herald. “He said, ‘You can’t compare my shirt to wearing a swastika. They aren’t the same thing.’”
Of course, young Jack is correct.
Jack noted the teacher asked him to discuss the matter over lunch, and he agreed. During the meal, “the teacher reportedly told Jack it wasn’t appropriate to wear clothing with a political message.”
He countered that he had seen another teacher in the school wearing a Barack Obama shirt.
He’s right again.
When Jack got home, he informed his mother Michelle about what had transpired that day:
[Mrs.] Fischer posted her outrage over the teacher’s handling of the issue on Facebook and the story went viral.
Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity shared her story to his 2.8 million followers, contributing to more than 100 comments on Fischer’s original post. …
Later, Fischer spoke with Chinook’s Principal Kevin Pierce, and was told there wasn’t anything wrong with the shirt.
Later Mrs. Fischer went to the principal. She went to social media first. She didn’t attempt to speak with the teacher at all.
Hey, I know there are more than a few dopey teachers out there who feel it’s their job to act as social justice adjudicators first, and purveyors of knowledge second. There is, however, a thing called “jumping the gun.”
Last August I offered up a few tips regarding parent-teacher relationships, not the least of which was “Don’t: Contact administration before talking with the teacher.” It seems I should have included in there “or rant on social media.”
This particular tip followed “Don’t: Say “My child never lies.”
In this case I am not saying that young Jack lied; however, embellishment is a known trait among teenagers. Did the teacher perhaps say “some may view Jack’s shirt as being like a swastika”? That “certain political messages” on clothing are inappropriate?
Even if young Jack is 100% accurate in his retelling of the matter, Mrs. Fischer should have called or emailed the teacher first It is highly likely this thing could have been resolved right then and there. If not, going to the school administration would be the next step.
The Herald notes Mrs. Fischer had said “My goal is not to get this teacher into trouble. I made it clear to [the principal]. She’s a nice person. I just haven’t agreed with the way she’s taught the class.”
Well, then, there you go! If she’s a nice person, then there should have been no issue with speaking to her first. Even if she isn’t very nice, communication with her should be step one.
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