Controversial Election Mailer Causes Stir in Chapin
Chapin, South Carolina – This week, residents in the Lexington-Richland 5 school district received a mailer that has stirred up quite a bit of conversation, especially among teachers. The mailer specifically targets a local English teacher, Mary Wood, making her the focus of a contentious school board election narrative. This unexpected political attack comes as the district previously faced criticism over its handling of racially charged educational materials.
What’s in the Mailer?
The mailer, sent from a group called the Defeating Communism PAC, features a prominent photo of Wood alongside the slogan, “Controversy is Rearing Around Our Schools.” It highlights headlines from various publications regarding Wood’s use of the memoir Between the World and Me by author Ta-Nehisi Coates, which had been a point of contention in recent school board discussions. Coates’ visit to a local board meeting with Wood sparked even more attention, as it showcased the ongoing debate over educational content surrounding race in America.
Teacher Response and Community Impact
Wood expressed her dismay at the mailer, revealing that it prompted her to remove her children from the district’s schools due to concerns for their safety. In her own words, Wood described the situation as a significant emotional burden, stating, “I’m worried for the safety of my family and my colleagues and students in the district.”
Other educators at Chapin High School echoed her sentiments. Tess Pratt, the chair of the English department, felt that the mailer was a severe violation of professional ethics. “No teacher should see her photo plastered on a political mailer sent out by a group with the word ‘communist’ in its name,” she asserted. Such remarks are not just emotional outbursts; they highlight a growing anxiety among educators about the politicization of teaching materials and methods.
Political Candidates Respond
The candidates endorsed in the mailer – Jason Baynham, Catherine Huddle, and Ken Loveless – finds themselves in an awkward position. Loveless took to social media to distance himself from the PAC’s mailings, stating he had no involvement or control over the mailer’s content. Baynham also expressed his lack of awareness concerning the mailer, emphasizing his commitment to running a positive campaign focused on educational issues rather than personal attacks. Similarly, Huddle distanced herself from the mailer, expressing confusion over its emergence.
Community Reaction
The reaction from the community and educational leaders has been largely negative. Sherry East, the president of the South Carolina Education Association, condemned the attack on Wood as an assault on educators who strive to teach critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of race. “It’s just one more example of attacking great teachers,” East commented. “Teachers should not have to live in fear from politics and politicians.”
Additionally, other political figures, including those also running for school board seats, condemned the mailer as well. Patrick Kelly, from the Palmetto State Teachers Association, argued that political attacks undermine the quality of education and that school boards should focus on supporting qualified educators rather than dictating lesson plans.
The Bigger Picture
At a time when South Carolina faces a notable teacher shortage, the question remains: will these political tactics deter educators from teaching challenging topics, or will they galvanize community support for teaching critical issues surrounding race and equity? As this situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the outcome of this school board election will not only affect who leads the educational priorities in the district but also how educators can teach crucial themes in today’s society.
The upcoming election day is set against this backdrop of concern and contention, and the decisions made will undoubtedly echo in the halls of Chapin schools for years to come.
