President Barack Obama’s  speech to students today did not stream live in MISD. Bandwidth issues and its occurrence during lunch time, along with the possibility of unfavorable content, prompted the district to record the speech rather than broadcast it live.

However, teachers can later show the speech during history classes at their discretion.

“I think it’s important for Government class. It’s the president; to me, it would almost be wrong of us not to address it [the speech],” history teacher Rena Long said. “It’s a great teaching moment.”

In his speech, Obama addressed students of all ages about staying in school and taking learning seriously.

“Whatever he says isn’t going to make any kind of impact on the high school students, because they’ve already got their minds made up,” junior Ian Henderson said. 

Parents contacted Principal David Wright on eight different occasions concerning whether or not the school would require students to watch the speech. In the case that a teacher can show the speech in class, students can choose whether or not to view it.  Parents have the option to allow their student to opt out of viewing the speech by filling out a form.

“I think that they’re making a smart move by previewing it before hand,” US History teacher Mandy Gent said. “With as many questions as people had, I think it’s important that they’ve taken the step to make sure that it’s all good.”

While the speech was meant for students, rumors of hidden agendas have piqued the interest of parents and teachers therefore forcing districts to not show the video at school or at least until a later date.

“I’m planning on watching it. I want to see what the excitement’s all about,” Mrs. Gent said.

Letter From Dr. Morrison   |  President Obama’s Speech   |