Big oof...a Missouri teacher is in hot water, and on administrative leave, after handing out an assignment to the class in which they are setting prices for different things to learn about the free market economy and wealth.
Some of the things they were setting prices for included normal goods like lumber, tar, wool, milk, etc. However, one of the questions asked for the fifth grade students to set a price for a slave.
The question read, "You own a plantation or farm and therefore need more workers," You begin to get involved in the slave trade industry and have slaves work on your farm. Your product to trade is slaves. Set your price for a slave. These could be worth a lot."
Now the NAACP is calling for a formal apology.
Principal Jeremy Booker told reporters at KMOV, "The assignment was culturally insensitive. The teacher has expressed significant remorse."
He also sent home a letter to parents explaining the assignment and also what they're doing to make sure the situation doesn't happen again.
"The school district is continuing to investigate this event," he said. "I am working with district leadership to provide all Blades teachers and staff with professional development on cultural bias in the near future."
While I completely see where the problem arises, if the children were learning about the economy and market from back in the day of slaves, then is it really so out of question for them answer something like that?
Could this have all been avoided? Yes. Is it as big of a deal as they're making it out to be? I don't think so. Just my personal thought.
Let us know what you think in the comments!