Is This Homework Assignment Racist?


Yup, this is really a question from a 3rd grade math assignment.

A teacher at Beaver Ridge Elementary School in Norcross, Georgia allegedly included this question, and others referring to slaves picking cotton and oranges, in her homework assignment for her 3rd graders. And surprise, surprise-parents are not happy.

You know what, though? I don't blame them. Even though children do learn about slavery and the horrific treatment of African Americans in social studies, I think the question is inappropriate. For one, the references to slaves and beatings are totally unnecessary. There are so many other examples the teacher could have used to convey the lesson without conjuring up images of discrimination and racism.

Also, 3rd graders are what, 8-years-old? That's pretty young and it's not that unlikely that the kids haven't even been taught about slavery yet.

What would you think if your child came home with this assignment? Do you think it's racist? Inappropriate? Or just a new take on learning math? Makes me think it might not be so crazy to send my kid to this school.
Share your thoughts in the comments.