Here’s the thing about this, its absolutely important that we teach children about racism. It is important that we address racism, in this country, especially since it has basically been swept under the rug and considered resolved with the implimentation of AA and HBCU’s. Is racism still alive? Yes. Is this the way to address it HELL NO IT ISNT.

I dont know what kind of idiot does this, I do not at all consider it to be appropriate. Now showing children nooses, that is one thing, taking them to an exhibit, that is fine, HANGING A FCUKING NOOSE AND PUTTING THEIR HEADS THROUGH IT? absolutely unacceptable.

It was definitely a, perhaps well intended, thoughtless and dangerous act.

I believe you are correct. A five year old is not going to understand what they were trying to teach. I don’t even know if a lot of high school students would quite understand, considering the white students in Jena, LA said that their hanging nooses from a tree was just a “prank”. I think that children should be taught that racism is bad but what this school did was just WRONG.

It seems rather extreme to say the least. I would question the maturity level, and just plain old common sense, of the adults involved. This is not a “lesson”. It is a form of abuse, at least emotional abuse. Young children are very impressionable, and often don’t understand either the full consequences of their actions or the finality of death. This sort of example can lead to dangerous play. There are much more sensitive and intelligent ways to teach children about the problem of racism .

The only “lesson” taught here is in stupidity. I watched a clip on the news last night, unbelievable. The idea that they would actually put a child in a noose?!! Teachers are supposed to provide a SAFE environment for children. Children this young won’t understand much of this abstract concept, but they will never forget this lesson, (though I doubt they learned what the teacher wanted them to) especially those put in the noose. I wouldn’t want my sixth grader subjected to that, much less a five-year-old.

You pretty well summed it up – thoughtless and dangerous. Someone had left their common sense out to dry on this one. It reminded me of a fourth grade teacher i worked with years ago who was teaching a unit on first aid. He painted huge fake wounds on all the fourth graders using permanent red markers and had them practice bandaging each other – which 9 and 10 year olds took to a whole new level. Then he placed them all on the bus or dismissed them to walk home still wearing their wounds and bandages. The entire town was freaked out when they saw them – not to mention it took days and days for the red marker to fade away. He was asked to not return the next year. Thus proving – even real teachers do some very stupid things that seem like a good idea at the time.

As well intentioned it was I believe it was innapropriate…and yes small kids are influenced easily and there could be a potential for some or one to play act…they could have shown the pics and stuff rather than using the rope around a kids neck….there needs to be some outcry regarding it…whats next..dragging another kid behind a pick up truck?

They were way out of line. These kids are way too young. Did you ever notice that so many little children play with one another regardless of looks, race, etc. They don’t see the differences until one of us adults point it out. Just let them be kids for a while!

they just need to see that children of a different colour are the same: got one nose 2 eyes 1 mouth! you can see this has american written strait accross it!!!!

I agree with you this was very stupid and could of ended very dangerously. I can’t believe that this was even thought of!

Surely that is illegal, as well as very, very stupid! I don’t understand how that would help to teach anti-racism.