A proposed social studies class at Saucon Valley High School that will focus on gender studies was a source for debate at the Saucon Valley School Board meeting Tuesday night.
School board member Bryan Eichfeld began the discussion by stating that he objects to the offering, because the class–which formerly focused on women’s studies–is inappropriate, in his opinion.
The class would focus on constructions and representations of gender and sex and how they have evolved over time, among other themes, and allow students to leave it with “an understanding of the acceptable societal structures to foster research and activism,” according to a description Eichfeld read.
“I object to this course. I don’t think it’s a proper course for a high school level,” Eichfeld said, adding that he wanted to bring the matter up at the next board meeting.
“My understanding is the course has been dropping in its attendance–that’s why they changed it to gender studies, to encourage more participation,” he added.
Assistant school district superintendent Susan Mowrer-Benda said the class revision was because of a cyclical re-examination of courses and their relevance at the high school level.
Social studies teacher Amy Kozel tried to explain the goal of the class to Eichfeld by providing cultural context for the topic, but he was adament he would “vote against this course” because he doesn’t believe “it’s appropriate at the high school level.”
“I just think that it tends to–how do I say this without ruffling too many feathers–I just don’t think it’s appropriate that we be teaching activism,” he said.
Board member Jack Dowling said he also objected to the offering.
He said the topics of religion, culture and “understanding the world” are “hot-button” ones and should be replaced with comparative religious study.
“How much time do you spend on comparative religions as part of the culture?” he asked Kozel. “You cannot understand Pakistan and the Middle East unless you understand Islam.”
Board member Ed Inghrim said he has two sons.
“Do you have a similar course for males?” he asked Kozel.
Kozel said the course would not be “so black-and-white” and would look at violence against the sexes, and not just at violence against women, for example.
The discussion turned hostile when Dowling questioned the idea of the class preparing students for work.
“I’ll express somewhat of an opinion: That’ll prepare people for a good job,” he said.
“I think he’s being sarcastic,” Eichfeld said, to which Dowling agreed, saying he was being sarcastic “utterly, as much as I can be.”
Sandra Miller then said, “Excuse me?”
“Are you saying that women’s studies or gender studies are not going to be a good career path for most people to go into?” she asked.
“It’s not going to prepare most people for a good job, including women,” Dowling said.
“Most of our students now are going to do jobs we don’t even know about yet–they haven’t even been created,” interjected Superintendent Dr. Monica McHale-Small.
Dowling said “no personal offense (was) meant” by his comments, but when Kozel said she took offense at his comments, he responded “I’m sorry that you do, and do you know how much sleep I’ll lose over your offense?”
Board president Michael Karabin quickly added, “That was Jack’s opinion. It’s not coming from this board, believe me. And I’d like to thank Amy for presenting and clarifying…”
“Board members have their–their right to say what they want to say,” board solicitor Mark Fitzgerald then said. “This is not a position of the school board. This might be the position of an individual board member, so I hope you understand it to be that…. This is not the position of the district with regard necessarily to the efficacy of that course.”
The full school board meeting can be viewed on YouTube.
The next Saucon Valley School Board meeting will be held Tuesday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the high school Audion room.
