Facing Backlash, Timberlake Teachers Union Issues Apology for Anti-Parent Comment

Facing Backlash, Timberlake Teachers Union Issues Apology for Anti-Parent Comment

The president of the Timberlane Teachers’ Association issued a public apology after an NH Journal report on her description of parental involvement in education as ‘interference.’ The dispute centered on HB1015, a bill cosponsored by House Majority Leader Jason Osborne.

The apology followed the NH Journal report by a day.

A day after an NHJournal report on her description of parental involvement in education as “interference,” the head of the Timberlane Teachers’ Association issued a public apology via Facebook.

NH Journal

In the apology, the union president acknowledged her wording while restating her opposition to the bill.

“However, in expressing my concerns about the bill, my words were imperfect, and for that, I am sorry.”

NH Journal

The original comments had urged lawmakers to limit parental input into curricula.

“Your calling is to the legislature. Others are called to medicine. Teachers are called to teach. Let us do our jobs without interference from parents and laws,” Hampe wrote.

NH Journal

The bill at the center of the dispute would build on existing notice rules, NH Journal explained.

New Hampshire teachers are already required to provide two weeks of advanced notice of their curriculum for health and sex education. HB 1015 would extend that to all course content to allow for parental review.

NH Journal

The measure would also set out how objections are handled, per NH Journal.

Parents would be able to raise objections, but they would have to do so in writing. Then they would have to reach an agreement with the school for academically acceptable alternative materials or content, provided at the parents’ expense.

NH Journal

Another union leader also opposed the measure.

“All children deserve a fact-based education that helps prepare them for their future,” Tuttle said.

NH Journal

Read the full story at NH Journal.