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TUSD deputy superintendent Menconi discusses Mexican American book ban
by DA Morales on Jan. 24, 2012, under Headline newsTUSD deputy superintendent Maria Menconi was on Tucson’s PBS news show to discuss Tucson’s book ban against Mexican American students.
“Not able to separate the books from the curriculum.”
TUSD's Interim Deputy Superintendent Maria Menconi informs us of the decision to terminate its Mexican American Studies Program and the books that were BANNED in those courses.
To ban the curriculum means to ban the books then, right?
“I choose not to use that word [ban].”
Can the MAS teachers themselves teach out of these books?
No.
Can other students in the district use these books?
Yes.
But not the MAS teachers; they cannot use The Tempest by Shakespeare if they talk about race and oppression in that play which is about a European taking slaves in the West Indies?
Correct.
So then it’s a racist book ban, not on the whole district, but on an already oppressed minority group?
That follow-up question is never asked…
This is similar to the reasoning behind folks like Russell Pearce and Tom Horne who are “not racist” because they have Latino or black friends; just one suffices.
If the book can be read and taught out of for white students at University High School, then how can TUSD be “banning” these books?
Just ask the question more directly: Are the MAS teachers banned from using the 7 books that have been boxed up and taken out of their classes, and are they allowed to use other books that talk about the race and oppression such as in Shakespeare’s books that deals with slavery?
No? Then bring the books back now.
Yes? Then it’s a RACIST BOOK BAN!
And this is how TUSD will keep digging itself into a hole. Banning books or knowledge is never a good idea. Just look how far it got Adolf Hitler and the Nazis when they did it.
Please report any Chicanos teaching out of banned books to Pedicone’s office today! 520-225-6060. A message below from the Ministry of Information.
