8th graders asked to write an essay explaining whether the Holocaust was real

[mota bhai 2,675]

The initial assignment given to eighth-graders in the San Bernardino County district was to do some research and write an essay explaining whether they believed the Holocaust was a real historical event or a political scheme to influence public emotion and gain.

"It was an error," district spokeswoman Syeda Jafri said Monday.

Several groups, including the Anti-Defamation League, called or emailed the school objecting to the assignment.

One person made a number of calls to police with some very specific death threats, said Rialto police Capt. Randy De Anda.

The threats were specific and directed at Jafri and interim Superintendent Mohammad Z. Islam, De Anda said.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0506/Why-eighth-grade-Holocaust-essay-provoked-death-threats

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

The initial assignment given to eighth-graders in the San Bernardino County district was to do some research and write an essay explaining whether they believed the Holocaust was a real historical event or a political scheme to influence public emotion and gain.

"It was an error," district spokeswoman Syeda Jafri said Monday.

Several groups, including the Anti-Defamation League, called or emailed the school objecting to the assignment.

One person made a number of calls to police with some very specific death threats, said Rialto police Capt. Randy De Anda.

The threats were specific and directed at Jafri and interim Superintendent Mohammad Z. Islam, De Anda said.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0506/Why-eighth-grade-Holocaust-essay-provoked-death-threats

Fire him and apologize.

I have spoken. Carry on.

[GandD 5,966]

Why is this not a public poll?

[decocker 7,198]

um, let the kids write the essay? if they have to support their assertion it seems like a pretty good learning tool to me.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Why is this not a public poll?

holocaust deniers prefer to lurk in the dark.

[decocker 7,198]

moon deniers are loose with the forum polls and foil.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

It's more politically correct to deny the moon landing than the Holocaust. Still pretty ridiculous.

Edited May 6, 2014 by Papa Lazarou

[decocker 7,198]

denying the moon landing doesn't attempt discredit the suffering deaths of thousands upon thousands. but i think both are pretty politically incorrect.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Denying the Holocaust is pretty far down one end of the scale imo.

Denying the moon landing is more comparable to thinking that the moon is made of cheese. Harmless but stupid.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Of course the moon landing happened. Russia just got there first. The USA has the only modern humans ever to go and come back alive.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg-YVy_H0XI

[decocker 7,198]

Denying the moon landing is more comparable to thinking that the moon is made of cheese. Harmless but stupid.

somebody needs an alex jones injection, stat!

[Teddy B 17,252]

um, let the kids write the essay? if they have to support their assertion it seems like a pretty good learning tool to me.

I agree. The assignment wasn't to prove the Holocaust wasn't real, it was to form opinions with research and hopefully back those opinions with facts. Seems like basic schooling to me.

[decocker 7,198]

I agree. The assignment wasn't to prove the Holocaust wasn't real, it was to form opinions with research and hopefully back those opinions with facts. Seems like basic schooling to me.

that's just not how school is done anymore, especially in the 8th grade (teach the test, teach the test, teach the test).

wanting kids to use their brains and come to their own conclusions is just so..dangerous.

[Teddy B 17,252]

that's just not how school is done anymore, especially in the 8th grade (teach the test, teach the test, teach the test).

wanting kids to use their brains and come to their own conclusions is just so..dangerous.

Right? We wouldn't want any people who think for themselves walking around.