A public charter school in Utah was going to allow parents to opt their children out of learning about Black history but reversed its decision after the public denounced the move.
Maria Montessori Academy in North Ogden, Utah only has three Black students, according to the Associated Press. Seventy percent of the students are white. Micah Hirokawa, the director of the school, released a statement on Sunday, Feb. 7 where he expressed his regret for sending opt-out forms to the parents who requested the ability to withdraw their children from Black History Month lessons.
“Celebrating Black History Month is part of our tradition. We regret that after receiving requests, an opt-out form was sent out concerning activities planned during this month of celebration,” Hirokawa said. “We are grateful that families that initially had questions and concerns have willingly come to the table to resolve any differences and at this time no families are opting out of our planned activities and we have removed this option.”
