Ga. school retracts controversial class assignment on Hitler

Ga. school retracts controversial class assignment on Hitler

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A metro Atlanta school is responding to backlash to a controversial assignment. Parents are fuming and questioning the Mount Vernon School in Sandy Springs after their kids were asked about Hitler’s leadership. The assignment asked students to rate the attributes of the former Nazi dictator. The school now acknowledges this caused distress and the assignment has now been removed from the curriculum.

Statement from Head of School Kristy Lundstrom

Head of School Kristy Lundstrom sent the following statement to Mount Vernon parents:

Dear Mount Vernon Family,

I am aware that a screenshot is being circulated on social media and has caused concern and distress. The screenshot is a snapshot taken out of context from a classroom assignment from March 2024. We do not condone positive labels for Adolf Hitler. The intent of the assignment was an exploration of World War II designed to boost student knowledge of factual events and understand the manipulation of fear leveraged by Adolf Hitler in connection to the Treaty of Versailles.

When leadership was made aware of how the assignment was written it was removed from the curriculum. Immediately following this incident, I met with the School’s Chief of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action, Head of Middle School, and a concerned Rabbi and friend of the School who shared the perspective of some of our families and supported us in a thorough review of the assignment and community impact. We worked to understand the balance of holding a safe environment for students while doing the important work of sharing history to prevent deniers and to be clear about the atrocities committed.

Adolf Hitler and the events of this time period are difficult and traumatic to discuss. In this very heavy time, when our Jewish students and families have the added stress of world events, we want to be clear that The Mount Vernon School wholeheartedly denounces antisemitism. Our commitment is to embrace a diverse community where every individual is seen, valued, and heard.

Please know that we are here to care for and support your children. We have counselors, faith leaders, and school leaders who have been and will continue to be here to talk to, listen to, and lift up your children.

Reaction from the Community

Many parents and members of the community expressed shock and dismay over the controversial assignment. Some questioned the educational value of asking students to rate the leadership attributes of a historical figure responsible for one of the most horrific genocides in human history.

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “It’s important to teach history and learn from past mistakes, but glorifying someone like Hitler, even in an assignment, is completely inappropriate and insensitive.”

Ensuring a Safe and Supportive Environment

The school’s swift response to the backlash underscores the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all students, regardless of background or beliefs. By denouncing antisemitism and committing to fostering inclusivity, the Mount Vernon School aims to reassure the community that such incidents will not be repeated.

As discussions around sensitive historical topics continue, it is crucial for educators to prioritize empathy, understanding, and respect in their teaching methods. History can be a powerful tool for learning and growth, but it must be handled with care and sensitivity, especially when addressing dark chapters such as the Holocaust.

For now, the focus remains on supporting students and addressing any concerns or emotional impacts stemming from the controversial assignment. The school’s dedication to open dialogue, education, and empathy will play a vital role in moving forward and ensuring a positive learning environment for all.

Closing Thoughts

While the incident at Mount Vernon School has sparked outrage and concern, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and responsible education. By learning from missteps and prioritizing inclusivity, schools can create an environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to engage with challenging historical topics.

As the school community reflects on this incident and works towards healing and understanding, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations, education, and positive change within the educational setting.

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