The Virginia School district situation contained elements of both authority and authoritarianism. The authoritarianism was most apparent to me when the school wouldn’t change its curriculum despite the feelings of the parents or the expressed uncomfortability of the students. They would continue to educate their students on world religions and religious diversity only because the state requires it. The teacher within the school even forced a female student, Laurel Truxell, to put on the scarf even if she didn’t want to. That was one of the prime examples in the article that displayed the authority of the teacher/district was more important than the students comfortability. The Virginia school district was willing to change up their curriculum so that it would use “a different, nonreligious sample of Arabic calligraphy will be used in the future.” This is shows their ability to function as a rational authoritative system.
Lesson on Islam Shuts Down Virginia School District
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I completely agree that the students’ feelings of discomfort should have been taken into account. The fact that these feelings were not addressed is what makes this a demonstration of authoritarianism. The difference between authority and authoritarianism is that one is rightful direction while the other is enforcing strict obedience with disregard to others’ opinions and wishes. In this article the teacher gave an assignment without proper consideration of the impact the work would have on students.
Meirav Weintraub