Read
the following Crack the Case and answer the questions that are at the
end.
CRACK THE CASE, authored by Dr. Nancy
DeFrates-Densch, Northern Illinois University
Black
History Month
February is Black History Month. Every year,
Hopkins High School uses this as an opportunity to celebrate African
American culture. Inspirational speakers are brought in for at least
two assemblies. Brief historical facts regarding African Americans
are incorporated into the daily announcements. Classes in all content
areas focus on the contributions of African Americans. Students
create projects that further explore African American culture. For
example, students in “Foods” classes re-create
traditional African and African American dishes. Art students create
pieces that mimic African art or reflect African American culture. At
the end of the month, an African American culture fair is held to
showcase student projects.
In the past, this has been an
exciting time of year for students_a welcome break from the tedium of
the regular curriculum. However, this year things appear to be
different. Recent restructuring of the district has resulted in
greater ethnic diversity in the student population. Overall, this has
been a positive thing. However, February is approaching and some
students and parents are grumbling about the celebration of Black
History Month. In fact, a group of students and parents are
complaining to the school board about this practice at tonight’s
meeting.
During the opportunity for citizens to address the
school board, people speak for and against the celebration.
Several
parents and students speak in support of Hopkins High’s
celebration, pointing out the dearth of African Americans discussed
in the regular curriculum and how important it is that all students
be aware of the contributions African Americans have made. In
addition, many students discuss how much they enjoy February because
of this celebration.
However, other people dissent:
“If
we are going to celebrate Black History Month, then I think we should
celebrate Mexican-American History Month, too.”
“I’m
Portuguese; I think we deserve a month, too. After all, if it hadn’t
been for Portuguese explorers, where would we be today?”
“Well,
I’m Irish, and the Irish have certainly made major
contributions both to American culture and to our community. Why
isn’t there an Irish History Month?”
“What
about us Chinese? Without us, where would the rail system be?”
“Yeah,
and how about Japanese Americans? Why should our kids celebrate Black
History Month, when the only thing about us in the history books is
negative? They don’t even mention the interment camps during
World War II. This is insane.”
The board carefully
considers the comments. They later tell those in attendance that they
will not address the issue, as it is a decision that must be made by
the faculty at Hopkins High, not one to be made by the school board.
The principal does not want to make this decision alone, so she
establishes a committee to discuss what to do.
1. What are
the issues in this case?
2. What do you think of Hopkins
High School’s celebration of Black History Month? Why?
3.
Given what students and parents have had to say about the issue,
should they continue the practice? Why or why not?
4. What
could be done to ensure that all ethnic groups feel represented in
the curriculum?
Biographical Sketch Provide the Following Information for
DISCLAIMER THE FOLLOWING WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED IN THE
NEWS RELEASE 19 FEBRUARY 2005 THE FOLLOWING REMARKS
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