Parents object to kneeling policy

A policy requiring students to take a knee, crouch or freeze in place at La Tercera Elementary School in the Old Adobe School District has upset some parents and led to homemade bulletins being anonymously being posted on the school campus.

“Why are they making the students do this?’ asks Ian Tanner, the parent of a La Tercera sixth-grader. “To me it is an abuse of power. Kids understand what a bell or whistle is. They don’t have to kneel down.” He says he has filed a formal complaint with the school district.

A similar policy requiring children to kneel implemented by a San Bernardino School District school last year led to a major controversy and eventual repeal of the policy.

At LaTercera, only a handful of parents have spoken out against the policy, although Tanner says others have expressed concerns to him.

Old Adobe Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jason Yamashiro says the problem stems from some parents not understanding the policy. “I understand parents’ concerns and we have been responsive,” he said. “I think we have some miscommunication.”

Michele Hodge, in her first year as La Tercera principal, says students are not instructed to kneel as Tanner contends, but are given the option of going down on one knee, crouching or freezing in place when they hear a whistle signifying the end of recess or the lunch period. La Tercera is using whistles until the bell system on the newly renovated campus is operational.

In response to parents’ concerns, the district, in its robocall to parents last weekend, explained the policy.

Some parents have expressed concerns that they were not informed of the policy before the start of classes. One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said she learned of the policy when her daughter came home with smudged knees. “We were never told this was being implemented,” she said. “There were never any problems. There is no reason for this.”

Hodge says the policy was clearly explained to the students at three assemblies held the first week of school, and that no one was ever forced to kneel.

“When the safety whistle blows (signifying that recess or lunch period is ending), students have a choice of taking a knee, crouching or freezing in place,” she reiterates.

Hodge says the policy gives students an opportunity to segue from play to the classroom and also allows teachers to communicate with the students without having to shout. She explains that the policy will also help direct students in case of an emergency.

“The playground has become safe, quiet and students are able to quickly transition from play to the classroom,” the district maintained in its call to parents.

(Contact John Jackson at johnie.jackson@arguscou rier.com)