Permission slip controversy in Florida school highlights debate on race education
ABC News
At a Miami-Dade public school, an activity permission slip for a reading of a Black author's book stoked confusion among parents and school board members alike.
An activity permission slip for a reading of a Black author's book at a Miami-Dade public school library stoked anger and confusion among parents and school board members.
In a now-viral post on social media, a parent posted a photo of a required permission slip for an event in which "students will participate and listen to a book written by an African American" hosted during Black History Month, the slip read.
The district told ABC News that officials "realize that the description of the event may have caused confusion, and we are working with our schools to reemphasize the importance of clarity for parents in describing activities/events that would require parental permission."
The district clarified that permission slips were sent home because of the guest speakers who would be participating in the school-authorized education-related activity.
In a Feb. 13 hearing about the incident, Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of the Miami Dade Public Schools, said he spoke to leaders of the school that issued the permission slip.