Name: Chesapeake teachers were told not to show Biden’s inauguration live in case violence erupted
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Chesapeake teachers were told not to show Biden’s inauguration live in case violence erupted

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AdvertisementBy The Virginian-PilotJan 20, 2021 at 4:05 pmChesapeake — As Joe Biden took center stage Wednesday just before noon, Americans across the country could watch online or on television as the 46th president of the United States was sworn in.But as the historic event unfolded, students in Chesapeake likely were not getting a front row seat.AdvertisementSchool leaders asked teachers not to show the ceremony live to students, citing the “ever changing political climate,” according to an email obtained by The Virginian-Pilot.In the email, sent Tuesday afternoon, Mickey Irving, the supervisor of K-12 social studies, wrote that resources would be uploaded to the school’s learning management system that teachers could use prior to the event. Following the inauguration, video highlights would also be uploaded to the platform, Irving wrote in the brief note sent to principals.AdvertisementThe video clips were provided immediately after the ceremony ended, said district spokesman Richie Babb, who confirmed the directive was sent out.In an email, Babb said the district was providing resources because it understands and appreciates “the historical significance of this important event.”Teachers, Babb wrote, were asked to not show the inauguration live “out of an abundance of caution and due to concerns about potential violence.” Irving’s email did not mention worries about violence, but Babb said that’s part of what he meant by the “changing political climate.”The decision to show the event’s live stream should have been at the discretion of teachers, not the district, said Katelyn Ritenour, secretary of the Chesapeake Education Association and an elementary school teacher.“We’re disappointed that this was the expectation because this was a historic event,” Ritenour said, adding that veteran teachers told her and others they hadn’t heard of a similar directive for past inaugurations.Ritenour admitted she was worried about opening her Facebook feed around lunch to see that something horrible had transpired at the inauguration and how she would explain that to her students or families if they had seen it unfold on TV.But she says it’s such a historic event — the first time a Black woman has been sworn in as Vice President — that students should get a front row seat and that so much went into providing security.At least one other school district in Virginia made a similar decision, as reported by the Staunton News Leader.AdvertisementIn a statement, James J. Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, said he regrets that some students were denied the opportunity to view the events as they happened.Addressing any school who made the decision, Fedderman wrote it is “troubling” that a nonpartisan historical event could be deemed too controversial or risky to share with students.“Students denied the livestream were denied the opportunity to observe history being made — and got a very poor lesson about adults unwilling to stand up for principles,” Fedderman wrote.DailyStart your morning in-the-know with the day's top stories. &gt; Some other school districts in the country took similar steps, , citing concerns that students could see conflict and violence unfold live on camera. One South Carolina middle school said watching the inauguration covers standards in the curriculum but allowed parents the choice of opting out of having their children watch it.It was not clear whether any other Hampton Roads schools told teachers not to show the event. In Newport News, during a meeting the night before, school board members encouraged teachers and students to tune in.In Virginia, National Guard members were “on standby” for expected protests over the weekend in Richmond following the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump who wanted to overturn the nation’s election results. No major gatherings materialized Saturday or Sunday, and planned rallies Monday were peaceful.AdvertisementIn the days following the Jan. 6 riot, ABC News about an internal FBI bulletin regarding the potential for armed protests being planned at all 50 state capitols and at the U.S. Capitol.In Chesapeake, some students who opted for an on-campus learning option returned to the school building on Tuesday. It followed a two-week pause on in-person instruction following the holiday break.Staff writer Matt Jones contributed to this report.Gordon Rago, 757-446-2601, Advertisement

AdvertisementBy The Virginian-PilotJan 20, 2021 at 4:05 pmChesapeake — As Joe Biden took center stage Wednesday just before noon, Americans across the country could watch online or on television as the 46th president of the United States was sworn in.But as the historic event unfolded, students in Chesapeake likely were not getting a front row seat.AdvertisementSchool leaders asked teachers not to show the ceremony live to students, citing the “ever changing political climate,” according to an email obtained by The Virginian-Pilot.In the email, sent Tuesday afternoon, Mickey Irving, the...

Chesapeake teachers were told not to show Biden’s inauguration live in case violence erupted

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