Since some members of the MCPS School Board have banned the "Story of Stuff" because it didn't include a "balanced perspective" or "the other side of the story," I would like to alert all MCPS Trustees to an egregious "one-sided" educational situation in our public schools that happens every spring, year after year.
It's called "Forest Discovery Days" and it's sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Smurfit-Stone Container, Plum Creek Timber Company and Roseburg Forest Products.
Every year, over 500 area students are treated to a totally one-sided view of forestry, logging, wildfire and forest health issues from major timber corporations with no apparent "balance" or "other side" provided by one of the many fine conservation organizations in the Missoula area.
Clearly, given the calls by some MCPS Trustees for a "balanced perspective" or "the other side of the story" any MCPS involvement with "Forest Discovery Days" should be immediately canceled until such a time that "Forest Discovery Days" includes a more "balanced perspective."
Please get back with me as soon as possible to let me know just how the MCPS Trustees plan to deal with the egregious "one-sided" educational situation regarding the annual "Forest Discovery Days" sponsored by Smurfit-Stone Container, Plum Creek Timber Company and Roseburg Forest Products.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Matthew Koehler
Missoula, MT
P.S. It's worth noting that none of the Trustees who received the email below even bothered to acknowledge receipt or get back with me regarding my concerns.
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 2009 09:06:27 -0700
To: School Trustees
From: Matthew Koehler
Subject: RE: Your decision to ban The Story of Stuff
Hello,
As a certified secondary history and English teacher, and as a homeowner and taxpayer in Missoula County, I'm absolutely outraged at your recent decision to ban The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. What's next?
Your decision sets a very bad example for all the children in Missoula County Public Schools. You can bet that if any of your names show up on our ballot for the school board that you'll be getting no support from our household.
Good day,
Matthew Koehler
Missoula, MT
