A public charter school in Utah allowed parents to withdraw their children from a Black History Month curriculum, but reversed its decision after a public outcry and meeting with parents to address their concerns.
Micah Hirokawa, the director of Maria Montessori Academy in North Ogden, an elementary and junior high school about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, said in a statement on Sunday that the school had, with “regret,” sent an opt-out form to parents who had requested the option.
He did not give details about the parents’ concerns or say how many had tried to withdraw their children from the events and activities that the school had scheduled as part of the monthlong program. But he said in the statement, which was published on the Utah Montessorians Facebook page, that the episode was “alarming” and that the school had been trying to “change hearts and minds with grace and courtesy.”
He said that the families “that initially had questions and concerns have willingly come to the table to resolve any differences” and that “at this time no families are opting out of our planned activities and we have removed this option.”
“It’s been a tough road as we work to honor and follow each child’s and each adult’s personal journey,” he said.
Mr. Hirokawa declined to respond to further questions on Monday, including how many parents had sought the option and why. But he said the school now had full participation in its Black History Month activities…
