Three social studies teachers at a D.C. public charter school were fired for teaching black history lessons beyond what’s in the curriculum, students’ parents told News4.
"It's about the history of who we are and where we came from,” said Michelle Payne, whose son is in the eighth grade at Howard University Middle School of Math and Science.
Parents say it is unacceptable for a school located on the campus of a historically black university to stifle African-American history lessons.
"If you know your culture, if you know from whence you came, it tends to build your self-esteem," said Lateefah Bilal, a grandmother who heads Parents in Action, Howard Middle’s parent group.
D.C. Council Education Committee member Anita Bonds and Council member Brianne Nadeau are looking into the claims that the three teachers were fired for teaching too much black history.
Bonds' spokesman said the charter school board chairman declined to answer her questions Friday.
News4 reached out to school administrators and the D.C. Public Charter School Board several times this week. They promised to release a statement.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Parents said they are also upset because the teachers were fired and escorted out of the building in front of the kids.
