President Obama delivered a speech for students on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at noon. In order to watch the speech students were required to turn in a permission slip by the preceding Friday. Parents should not have been required to sign a permission slip for students wanting to view President Obama’s speech.
The purpose of high school is to support students in forming individual opinions, and prepare them for adulthood. Forcing students to have their parents sign a permission slip undermines the student’s ability to choose what they believe and stand for politically. If students do not form these opinions and political thoughts now, then they may never have an interest or opportunity to do so again. Students that grow up without any political beliefs could lead to a generation of Americans who are not invested or involved in the politics and issues that will plague society, ultimately leading to a weaker America.
The President of the United States of America is a position that should command respect. President Obama should have the ability to address America’s youth, regardless of the opinions and prejudices that govern the opposing side. Men and women who grow up surrounded by intolerant people who refuse to listen, even with ideas that oppose personal beliefs, will continue to breed this discontent. To have students grow up in such an environment would be extremely detrimental to America’s future. It would significantly weaken the President’s position, and create a generation of intolerant Americans, both of which are consequences that America cannot afford.
Although the administration has the responsibility to respect parents, the choice should ultimately be made by the student. Encouraging students to be aware and involved in society’s bigger issues that go beyond high school should be the responsibility of the district.
Presidents and other figures of authority will continue to want to address America’s youth as different issues and events happen throughout the country. MISD parents will not always agree with the ideals of these authoritative figures, but it should not be their decision as to whether the high school student has the option to listen. Although the administration may be taking a risk by upsetting many parents, they should allow students the choice in such matters.
Ethan • Nov 11, 2010 at 7:42 pm
When i found out that a permission slip would be required to watch our own pressident make a speech i was slightly outraged (only slightly :b) All it is is pure censorship, at this age we should be alowed to choose what we want to hear and what we dont. When you have to get permission from your parents to see your own presedent talk they have the say and they decide what you hear and see making it so you dont get to see what they have to say. You should know what your presedent has to say wether you like it or not, to just know what there planing and doing.
Clay • Sep 25, 2010 at 11:15 pm
This president has been featured on TV more than any other president in history for the amount of time he has been in office. He has been seen by more school children, in school, than any other president. His whole platform is based on being seen and being heard, his “in your face” attitude is one of the things that I like least about his politics.
You say the office of the President of the United States is one that should command respect, however, the man who holds it does not respect it himself. He bows to foreign dignitaries, doesn’t place his hand over his heart when the anthem is being played, and associates himself and his office with crooks and back alley deal makers.
I agree that students shouldn’t have to have a permission slip, but there is one. Perhaps one should think about who and what they are allowing their charges to see when they sign that slip.
Dustin • Sep 18, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I went to the speech and I am Republican. But when I was there I heard many people around me saying they didn’t care they just wanted to get out of class and also didn’t care about the president, I heard one person say hes half African then she said she doesn’t know what other half he was. It was a shame but you know. People these days.