Concerns Rise Over Political Attacks in Midlands School Board Election

Concerns Rise Over Political Attacks in Midlands School Board Election

In picturesque Chapin, South Carolina, the atmosphere has become tense as political mailers have made their rounds among residents, specifically targeting a beloved teacher for teaching about race. The mailers have ignited controversy in the Lexington-Richland 5 school district, and community members are left questioning the implications for education and teacher safety.

Targeting Teachers: The Controversial Mailer

This week, many households in the area received a mailer from an organization called the Defeating Communism PAC. At the center of the mailer was a photo of Mary Wood, an English teacher at Chapin High School, along with bold headlines that suggested controversy was looming over the schools. Accompanying the photo were disturbing headlines from various publications regarding her lessons that included the memoir Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and a related essay about reparations.

In a media interview, Wood stated, “I had no concerns about teaching this lesson. I had vetted it before.” However, despite her confidence, the mailer showcases her as a target, stirring up emotions and fears within the teaching community. The slogan on the mailer, “It’s time to put parents back in the driver’s seat,” leaves many wondering what that really means for educators and their autonomy in the classroom.

Shifting Perspectives on Race in Education

The emotional fallout from this mailer has been profound. Wood, who faced backlash earlier this year when school officials prohibited her from teaching Coates’ book over concerns regarding critical race theory, expressed deep concern for the safety of her family and colleagues. In a text message, she mentioned, “I’m worried for the safety of my family and my colleagues and students in the district.” After seeing the mailer, she made the difficult decision to pull her children out of the district’s schools.

Tess Pratt, chair of the English department at Chapin High, shared similar sentiments. She refrained from mincing words when she said, “No teacher should see her photo plastered on a political mailer sent out by a group with the word ‘communist’ in its name.” For her, this was not just an attack on Wood, but a “punch in the gut” that threatens the integrity of educators across the community.

Campaign Candidates Respond

In the midst of such heated discussions, candidates endorsed by the Defeating Communism PAC—Jason Baynham, Catherine Huddle, and Ken Loveless—have been called to respond. Loveless stated on his campaign Facebook page that he had no influence over the mailer or its content. Meanwhile, Baynham acknowledged his support of the PAC but expressed he had no knowledge of the mailer’s contents. “It’s unfortunate this mailer has taken the focus off the issue-driven campaign I have run,” he remarked.

Huddle also distanced herself from the PAC, stating, “I have no relationship with the PAC and don’t control what they do.” Such statements, however, have done little to soothe the fears of educators like Wood, who feel caught in the political crossfire over issues that ought to be approached with thoughtful discussion and respect.

Local Educators Speak Out

Reactions have poured in from teachers’ associations, echoing a shared discontent regarding the mailer. Sherry East, head of the South Carolina Education Association, stated, “It’s just one more example of attacking great teachers.” She emphasized that teaching about race and viewpoints from different perspectives is crucial for fostering understanding amongst students.

Other candidates in the running, including Scott Herring and Mike Ward, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the tactic used in the mailer, demanding that all candidates stand against such political maneuvers that jeopardize teachers’ safety and integrity.

Looking Ahead

As this school board election approaches, many in the community are left pondering the fine line between necessary oversight in educational content and harmful political tactics that undermine the vital work teachers do every day. The consequences of this mailer may extend far beyond election day, raising significant questions about the future of teaching and learning in Chapin, South Carolina.

While the election campaign heats up, the focus remains on ensuring that educators can continue to teach and inspire students in a safe environment—one that encourages open discourse rather than fear.