Fair360, formerly DiversityInc’s article “KKK Robes: Why Were They Allowed in the Classroom” about students dressing as members of the Ku Klux Klan as part of a class project spurred strong reactions from many of our readers. See what they had to say on the subject. Their comments are below:
The KKK and heinous acts they perpetrated on African Americans during this part of our recent past is a painful thread in the fabric of our American heritage. In fact these cowards still exist and their philosophy must be exposed. While this activity may not have been properly executed, my perception from this article is that the teacher was well-intentioned and that she created a teachable moment for all of the students. We watch movies all the time with depictions of the clan, why not get our children to examine racism and convey it through a reenactment For many, films are the only means by which we have any knowledge of this part of our past. It’s too bad this re-enactment wasn’t the subject of a school assembly prior to the actual filming. It’s too bad the African American students didn’t see it as an opportunity to tell their story rather than viewing it as insulting. We are doomed to repeat our failures without passionate and patient dialogue that leads to reconciliation. Maybe next year, they can focus on how the two races came together to abolish slavery and unjust laws such as Jim Crow.
– Anonymous
