Texas parent angrily tears off teacher's mask during heated exchange: Report
An unnamed Texas parent reportedly tore off a teacher's mask during an angry exchange, prompting a school officials to warn, "Do not fight mask wars in our schools."
The alleged assault was said to have taken place during a "Meet the Teacher" event, according to KEYE-TV.
What are the details?
The altercation, according to the Washington Post, took place during the first week of the 2021-22 school year for the Eanes Independent School District in Austin.
In a Tuesday note to district parents and staffers, Eanes ISD Superintendent Tom Leonard announced several disturbing mask-related incidents that reportedly took place in schools across the district.
The incidents, according to the report, have unfolded as Eanes ISD recently announced a mask requirement for students, staff, and visitors after a judge issued a temporary restraining order on Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's ban on local mask mandates.
"Some parents physically and verbally assaulted teachers because of masks," the outlet reported.
"A parent physically assaulted a teacher by ripping a mask off her face, others yelling at a teacher to take off her mask because they could not understand what the teacher was saying while her face was covered," Leonard said in the statement.
In his letter, Leonard wrote, "This type of behavior will not be tolerated in Eanes ISD. Our staff are on the front lines of this pandemic; let's give them some space and grace. Please, I am asking everyone to be kind...do not fight mask wars in our schools."
The outlet's coronavirus tracker reported that coronavirus cases in Texas rose 11% week over week as hospitalizations increased 21% week over week.
The announcement comes as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) — who has spoken out in opposition to mask-wearing in schools — is confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated and having received a booster shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all students and school employees wear masks indoors.
According to Newsweek, Leonard in his note continued, "I am asking as kindly as I can: Please treat each other the way you would like to be treated. During this difficult time, let's provide a respectful oasis on our buses, in our schools, and on our campuses. The children are watching and learning how we behave, so let's make the time our students spend in school a joyful and positive experience."
Eanes ISD spokesperson Claudia McWhorter told KEYE that the incident was not reported to local police.
"Out of sensitivity to the campus staff, we are not releasing the name of the school, nor the name of the teachers, " McWhorter told the station. "As seen by yesterday's behavior, emotions are high right now and the last thing we need is for people to antagonize our staff even more."
Texas school under fire after one of its teachers lists Kyle Rittenhouse as a choice for 'hero for the modern age' assignment
A Texas school is facing criticism after one of its teacher's assignments listed Kyle Rittenhouse as a "hero for the modern age."
Rittenhouse — who is being tried as an adult — faces murder charges after he allegedly killed two rioters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and wounded another on Aug. 25 during ongoing protests.
His lawyer, John Pierce, said Rittenhouse acted in self-defense during the riots.
You can read more on the background of the case here.
What are the details?
According to Newsweek, students at W.T. White High School in Dallas were directed to complete the assignment, which named Rittenhouse — alongside people such as César Chávez, George Floyd, Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X, and Joseph D. Rosenbaum, one of the people Rittenhouse purportedly killed — as subjects of an assignment titled "Hero for the Modern Age."
Part one of the assignment directed students to choose a "hero" from the list and write a half-page biography about the subject.
Part two of the assignment directed students to write a page-long essay on the individual from the list who best demonstrates their "concept of a hero."
Needless to say, the assignment caused a ripple of concern throughout the school community.
A spokesperson for the Dallas Independent School District told the outlet, "An unapproved assignment posted in Google Classroom yesterday has been brought to our attention."
"Understandably," the statement continued, "this caused concern for the impacted students, and we apologize. Campus administration immediately removed the unapproved content and students are not required to complete that assignment."
The statement added, "Due to personnel policies, we are not able to comment further, however, the appropriate steps are being followed pending investigation. Racial equity is a top priority in Dallas ISD, and we remain committed to providing a robust teaching environment where all students can learn."
"It is important that we continue to be culturally sensitive to our diverse populations and provide a space of respect and values," the statement concluded.
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