Controversial Topics In School

Controversial topics are difficult to bring up in the classroom. Racism, gender equality, LGBTQ issues, gun violence, climate change, and the like can cause a lot of problems when introduced to students. Parents often get upset as they may not like what the students learn about in the discussions of these topics. Students often become upset because at times they feel that their opinions are not valued. Misunderstandings are common as bias and long-held beliefs can cause anyone to get upset when they are tested. Despite this, however, these topics must be discussed in order for kids to know what is really going on in society. These topics should be brought up in a respectful way that allows everyone to be heard and actual facts to be shared. This can help things go a little smoother. It also helps if we have the parent's knowledge and consent of everything that is going to be talked about in the classroom. This allows for transparency for all involved.