School boards across the country are facing recalls and angry questions about everything from COVID restrictions to curriculum about racism. Even in Massachusetts, known for being one of the most liberal states in the country. The reality is more complex.
Timothy Paquette, a resident of Dudley with children in the school system, speaks during a school committee meeting on Dec. 8, 2021.
“Yelling at us is not getting us anywhere,” added committee vice chair Jamie Terry, raising her own voice, as the board wrapped up debate on COVID protocols. A WBUR review discovered people have challenged mask mandates in at least one-third of all school districts across the state since last summer. And WBUR found dozens of districts have faced criticism over how teachers discuss race and diversity in the classroom, as well as sex education.For years, local school committee meetings had little drama — focusing on routine items such as staffing and trips by the marching band.
Carroll-Sue Rehm, right, lives in Florida but has grandchildren in the Dudley-Charlton school district. She's led the effort to recall five sitting school committee members. “I'm looking for anti-American books," Rehm said. "I'm also looking specifically for any books that sexualize children." “I'm looking for anti-American books. I'm also looking specifically for any books that sexualize children."Another longtime Charlton resident, JoEllen Burlingame, blamed some of the conflict on the rise of Donald Trump and partisan politics.
The room was festooned with signs condemning masking and critical race theory, a framework that suggests racism is embedded in American laws and other institutions. The approach has generated controversy, particularly among Republicans.
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