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Board, superintendent defend use of political cartoon in AP U.S. government; board urges parents to follow complaint process
Summary
A public complaint about a political cartoon used in an AP U.S. government lesson prompted discussion at the Oct. 27 meeting. The superintendent said the cartoon was used to teach visual-analysis skills and was recommended by the College Board; the board emphasized that parents should first contact teachers and that formal concerns be referred to
A complaint that a political cartoon used in an AP U.S. government class was biased drew an extended discussion at the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools board meeting on Oct. 27.
Michael Lynch, a resident and parent, said social studies standards require instruction about contemporary political influence and urged fair, standards-based instruction. "Social studies should never be one-sided," Lynch said, noting that analysis of visual sources is part of the Michigan standards.
In response, Superintendent Keith Howell said the cartoon referenced at the Oct. 13 meeting "was used to help students understand this concept, of presidential accountability, not to promote any political view." Howell told the board the item came from a recommended College Board source and was used to teach students how to analyze visual sources and link them to constitutional principles.
Board members discussed process and communication. Missus Herndon asked whether teachers select the assignments; Howell said teachers had professional judgment in selecting materials for the assessment. Several board members encouraged parents to "reach out to the teacher and have a conversation" and to escalate to the building administrator or superintendent if concerns persist.
Board members also reiterated the district's public-meeting practice that complaints or concerns referred to the board will be forwarded to the superintendent for investigation under district policy. Several trustees said they expect that complaints brought to individual board members be shared with the superintendent ahead of meetings so staff can investigate and brief the board.
Kelly McDevitt, president of the L'Anse Creuse Education Association, used a public-comment slot to criticize board members for public undermining of staff and urged the board to avoid "micromanage[ment]" and to restore trust between the board and professional staff.
No curricular ban or personnel action was announced at the meeting. Superintendent Howell and the curriculum team said they had talked with teachers and would provide additional context and documentation to board members and parents on request.
