First TKAM. Now the Bard of Avon.
Shakespeare - The nearest thing in incarnation to the eye of God. – Laurence Olivier
W illiam Shakespeare is widely considered to be the most important literary figure of all time. Now, according to many disappointed parents, the elective course on Shakespeare at Staples High School has been cancelled. Parents also note Shakespeare appears to be getting reduced representation across English classes.
This sad development is consistent with a disturbing trend. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was once a core element of Westport’s 8th grade curriculum but no longer is, as we previously observed. Dr. Ibram X. Kendi of course wrote in Stamped that he believes TKAM is racist.
As we have noted previously, Kendi’s organization has for years been championed by TEAM Westport and has provided extensive training to our teachers and various town employees. Now another literary giant whom Kendi finds objectionable seems to be on the chopping block. In 2020, Kendi tweeted an article which harshly criticized the teaching of Shakespeare.
The writer of the article concludes:
Even with a writer like Shakespeare’s immense impact on the world, there is no need to perpetuate the racism in his texts by requiring students to study his work.
If Shakespeare is being removed from the curriculum because he is considered problematic from an antiracism perspective, parents deserve an honest explanation. The Superintendent should provide a full and detailed accounting of why this course is being cancelled, why other courses were not cancelled instead, who made the decision and what role if any was played by antiracism, equity or any other ideological considerations.
Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven. — Act IV, Scene VII, Henry VI.