Parents and students at the Mount Vernon School in Atlanta were outraged by an Adolf Hitler-themed question-and-answer assignment given to eighth grade students. The assignment asked students to rate Hitler’s characteristics as a leader using a rubric provided by the school. Parents and students alike found the questions troubling, with concerns that they were glorifying the warmongering dictator. Many felt that the questions were potentially antisemitic in nature and were not appropriate for students to answer.
The controversial questions sparked outrage among parents and students, who felt that the assignment was inappropriate and could be seen as offensive due to Hitler’s role in the Holocaust. Former students shared that they did not receive similar questions during their time at the school. While some believed that the questions were intended to provoke critical thinking and discussion, others felt that the assignment had missed the mark in terms of sensitivity and appropriateness.
Mount Vernon officials responded to the backlash by removing the assignment from the curriculum. Principal Kristy Lundstrom explained that the assignment was meant to educate students about World War II and Hitler’s manipulation of fear during that time. The school met with a Rabbi and other officials to discuss the impact of the assignment on the community. Lundstrom acknowledged the sensitive nature of discussing Hitler and the traumatic events of that time period, and emphasized the school’s commitment to providing a diverse and inclusive education.
The private school, which is located just outside of Atlanta, has a mission to prepare students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. The school’s website highlights its commitment to inquiry, innovation, and impact, as well as its grounding in Christian values. Despite the controversy surrounding the assignment, the school maintains its dedication to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for success in the modern world. Moving forward, the school intends to review assignments more carefully to ensure that they are sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of its students and families.
While some defended the assignment as a way to challenge students to think critically and examine historical events from different perspectives, others believed the questions missed the mark in terms of appropriateness and sensitivity. The school’s decision to remove the assignment from its curriculum indicates a recognition of the concerns raised by parents and students, as well as a commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. By engaging in dialogue with members of the community and seeking input from diverse perspectives, the school hopes to prevent similar incidents in the future and foster a more inclusive and respectful educational environment for all.
