The current socio-political climate calls for people’s active involvement in various social issues. However, the universal nature of these issues and their broad influence create an environment in which members of education establishments begin to question the extent of their involvement in them. In a climate where the establishments’ administration is either silent or defiant, the teachers face a dilemma of whether follow suit or develop their own course of action.
The case of Kyle Rittenhouse and how it was perceived by universities is an example of the administration taking an opportunity to voice their opinions. The creator of the article, however, does not agree with this approach, stating that universities should remain neutral, promoting analysis and debate (Friedersdorf, 2021). Indeed, the idea behind the education establishment is to teach students how to think for themselves, using their critical skills. However, this does not mean that the teachers are not allowed to express their opinion on severe social matters.
When approaching serious social issues, people are often tempted to disclose their opinion with abundance and authority. While making such actions, people with already established authority (teachers and school administration) should be wary of their delivery. An opinion should not be presented as a fact, but rather as a factor that could shape another person’s opinion. Its persuasive power should not come from the place of respect for the authority figure, but from the solidity of the argument. History is a powerful tool for learning and predicting the future based on precedent. A historian’s responsibility, in this case, is to provide all relevant facts and historic examples clearly, allowing students to draw their own educated conclusions.
In conclusion, education establishments need to be wary of a particular balance when addressing and modulating social issues. It is necessary that teachers help students learn and develop skills that would allow them to perceive information critically and make educated decisions based on historic evidence. Furthermore, the process of teaching to form an opinion should not be muddled by an interfering opinion presented as a fact.
Reference
Friedersdorf, C. (2021). Universities try to force a consensus about Kyle Rittenhouse. The Atlantic. Web.