Theoracism

Bucknell, 28, arose from his chair. The light around the table showed the faces of the other teachers who yearned for a change.

“I had to bite back bile while saying one of my students couldn’t stand up to my authority. I know you all can relate.”

Heads nodded in approval.

Bucknell lifted his beer glass. “I am proposing we move our clandestine meetings to a restaurant where the students can also be a part of dismantling, and ultimately destroying, this scourge that has plagued our school system. That’s all I’ve got.”

Cathy, 26, stood next. “Ever since these protocols have been put in place to program us to be racist against black, white, and all others, the resentment and ire have been at an all-time high. I’ve not been allowed to recommend my Asian students for universities and colleges because of this goddamned system. Yes, let’s bring the students,” she said. “Nidal, you’ve experienced something similar, right?”

Nidal Kaur, 31, finished his Shiraz, and stood up as the other instructors sat. “Good evening, everyone. It’s really sad that we have to continue to meet like this, but with a change of space, we might be able to incorporate the ideas of the kids we teach.”

“But what about the student recommendations?” Cathy asked.

“Oh, of course. I’ve had to refrain from signing recommendations for whites, Asians, and some blacks because they scored so well on the AP tests. We shouldn’t even be talking in racial terms. It’s disgusting. They’re just students. Some people say the theory was good, but the practice was bad. I say the theory was vicious and the practice is currently horrific. But this fight has moved to a place where the kids can visit, we’re going to need permission slips, explain why their students are out, move the time earlier, just the logistics. Thanks.”

Applause rose up from the table.

“I didn’t say it for all that,” Kaur said with all smiles. He motioned for another glass.

“I cannot stand the fact that people think it just hurts one set of people based on their skin color, and not their intellect or character,” Cathy said. “I agree with Nidal. It’s a nasty business we’ve been experiencing for the past few semesters. It should be based on the merit of the brain of the individual student, not their melanin level or an epicanthal fold. Those attributes should not determine grades.”

“I went to school for history because I loved the richness of the global goings on that have shaped our world since the beginning of man. Now, I weep at the quality of education these kids are getting. Telling them one thing that either happened earlier, or later, or never happened at all, or is muddled in the details is damaging. It hinders their growth and warps their minds,” Bucknell said. “We have to stop what has been programmed into us. This system we have been indoctrinated with deserves to be for private schools outside of our own. Let them teach whatever the hell they want, but our school should move away from the dictates of the Board. Let them be like communist schools that would function under a capitalist society. As long as they're not interfering with those who want a laissez-faire life, they can live out their miserable, Marxist lives in squalor. There should be schools set up for parents who wish to have their child’s brain thrown on the floor, or in a blender to be pummeled or tenderized. I think if we include the student perspective, then we will be able to better serve them. Some might say they’re the raw materials. What does that make us? Anyway, we should move these meetings to Alino’s on 9th Street. It should be around four. Same day, Wednesday and include just two students to start. We can send out permission slips through email. I say Myson Thomason and Gadot Tinkerton. Does anyone object?” Bucknell said.

No one showed opposition. “Good. Then we will retire from this meeting house and look forward to new days at Alino’s.”