Letter to the editor: Teachers should not post political views on social media

Posted 4/13/23

To the editor,

It is not appropriate for teachers to impose their political views on students and dismiss their ability to think for themselves. Teachers have a responsibility to create a safe …

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Letter to the editor: Teachers should not post political views on social media

Posted

To the editor,

It is not appropriate for teachers to impose their political views on students and dismiss their ability to think for themselves. Teachers have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students feel free to express their opinions and engage in open discussion about a variety of issues, including politics. I just saw a Facebook post from Rocky Branch teacher Mrs. Friede that I was insulted to see. (Editor’s note: The post was a photo of someone dressed in drag with the words “The biggest danger of taking your child to a drag show is that a Christian could show up with a gun.”)
It is important for teachers to remain neutral and objective when discussing controversial topics and to encourage critical thinking and analysis among students. Teachers should provide students with diverse perspectives and allow them to form their own opinions based on the available evidence. In her post, Mrs. Friede took a very political position and should NOT be someone mentoring our kids.
Christianity is the foundation of good. It is the foundation of the country that I love. Why would she disrespect it so?

Dismissing a student's ability to think for themselves and imposing one's own political views is not only disrespectful but also undermines the principles of education. Teachers must recognize their role as facilitators of learning and strive to create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and engaging in constructive dialogue.

Teachers must recognize the importance of remaining impartial and respecting their students' ability to think critically and independently. By doing so, they can foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes intellectual growth and prepares students to become informed and engaged citizens.

The River Falls School Board should strongly consider the very public behavior of a teaching influence like Mrs. Friede. Is this teaching life skills or her political agenda?

Stephanie Brown

River Falls

Editor’s note: The First Amendment allows free speech in newspaper editorials, columns and letters and on social media. Expecting an employer to control a person's private social media account is generally disallowed in America. Employees who post political matters on their personal social media accounts do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, and values of their employer.

social media, letters, opinion