Earlier today we brought you the story of parents and teachers in Fargo, North Dakota who are riled up about the coming implementation of Common Core standards in their schools. One of the activists in that video is Duke Pesta, an anti-Common Core advocate who is traveling the country speaking on the subject.
This week in Fargo, ahead of Pesta’s visit, some in the education establishment have made every effort both to discredit Pesta, and more broadly to convince parents and concerned educators the federal government’s education plan is suitable for Fargo’s schools and children. But one public employee took things a step further, creating a new, anonymous email account specifically to attack anti-Common Core activism and activists, and specifically Duke Pesta, from the safety of a fake name and with impunity.
North Dakota public schools spokesman Dale Wetzel was that employee. From North Dakota Watchdog:
It turns out some of those attacks came from a North Dakota Department of Public Instruction employee who was using an anonymous email to disseminate information to lawmakers and members of the media.
In the lead up to Pesta’s visits to Bismarck and Fargo this week, DPI public information officer Dale Wetzel used a Gmail account to forward information to members of the state Legislature and at least one reporter, Hannah Johnson of the Bismarck Tribune.
So a public official working for the SCHOOLS tries to silence opposition from the parents who have children in them and the teachers who teach in them. Because nanny knows best. And he tried to hide it! As did his boss.
Also from ND Watchdog:
Initially, Superintendent of Public Schools Kirsten Baesler, who holds a non-partisan office but was endorsed by North Dakota Republicans, told Watchdog these emails were not coming from the Department of Public Instruction, but after an email forward from state Rep. Mike Nathe, a Republican from Bismarck, indicated the emails were originating with Wetzel, Baesler acknowledged they were sent out by a member of her staff.
Pesta is a controversial figure in the Common Core debate with questionable ties, but residents were anxious to hear his presentation. But the parents voices were of no concern. They remain no concern, as we have seen all too often in public school problems lately.
Which is, of course, the perfect example of the problem here. Even if you don’t know anything else about Common Core, know two things. It is a one size fits all plan, and its proponents don’t care what the parents or the teachers think. That right there is enough reason to question, if not outright oppose.