Current events

Confronting Controversy

Wire-tapping, war, and the aftermath of 9/11 are hot issues in the classroom.

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“The world we live in is complex and confusing—not just to children, but to all of us,” says Mara Sapon-Shevin, professor of inclusive education at Syracuse University and author of Because We Can Change the World: A Practical Guide for Building Cooperative, Inclusive Classroom Communities. “It is vital that we help students develop the skills to look critically at what is happening in the world.”

That’s the aim of Palermo’s Leadership and Diversity class, an elective open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors based on the Help Increase the Peace Program (HIPP), a youth program developed in 1991 by the American Friends Service Committee. The class focuses on topics such as diversity, racism, and conflict resolution. They also plan and lead peer workshops that promote acceptance and mutual respect.

 “The ultimate goal of any good social studies teacher is to inspire students to think beyond themselves, to take an interest in the world around them, and do something to improve it, even in a small way,” Palermo says.

It begins with taking an interest in current events and being receptive to differing viewpoints. Palermo establishes ground rules for discussion that encourage respect, openness, and empathy. “With ice-breakers and team-building activities, the students usually bond pretty quickly and feel comfortable with each other,” Palermo says. “This allows them to be honest and open when we’re discussing controversial issues.”

With students representing a wide range of ethnicities, Palermo’s class reflects the diversity of the Washington, D.C., area. On the subject of national security versus privacy and personal freedom, their opinions were just as wide-ranging.

 “I value my personal liberty too much to sacrifice it. How long is the war on terror going to last? People have wanted to attack us for a long time because of the freedoms we stand for,” said senior Molly Schmalzbach. “We need basic securities and a strong military, but these extra measures go too far—they’re infringing upon what we stand for in the first place.”

“Liberty without security is meaningless—there’s no point,” countered James Taylor, a junior. “Without security, you’re living a life of liberty, but one that could end at any moment.”

Confronting Controversy
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