APPLETON,WI (WTAQ)- An Appleton School District history class assignment on slavery has led to concern from parents and students in the district, and an apology from the school district.
According to the instructions of the assignment, first reported by Media Trackers, High School history students were asked to “Write instruction on what a person would expect to do if they were a slave.”
In a statement posted to the district website, Superintendent Judith Baseman said they are looking into the matter after many expressed frustration with the assignment.
Mediatrackers.org reported that the assignment resulted in strong reaction from parents and students, posted a screen shot of one students response to the teacher.
“First of all, no black student should EVER be asked to imagine that they are a slave” the student responded.
The instructions asked to students to include physical, mental and social requirements of the job, along with relationships, hours, beneifits and treatment.
Superintendent Baseman said in her response that “it was immediately addresed with the educator, and steps were put into place so that this will not happen again. Although we believe that the educator’s choices were not intended to cause harm, we understand that is essay prompt was and is hurtful and offensive to all of our students.”
Baseman stated that slavery is a necessary part of the US History curriculum, but that are committed to ensuring that materials remain respectful.
The district will also continue to provide district-wide coaching and training.
“We sincerely apologize to our families and to the students who were asked to complete this assignment. The material included in the essay prompt does not reflect our values as a district, and how we want to serve our students and families.”
This is the second situation like this in Wisconsin this month.
Last week, Our Redeemer Lutheran school in Wauwatosa apologized for a 4th grade homework assignment that asked students to identify and list three good reasons and three bad reasons for slavery.
