By: Diane Benjamin
Does Matt Chapman teach anything about the history of the Democrat Party? Slavery, Jim Crow laws, poll taxes, blocking desegregation in schools, opposition to civil rights legislation? (Just to name a few)
From his Facebook comment he isn’t:
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This comment was left by one of his students:
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Chapman is obviously teaching kids Trump is violating the Constitution. Instead of teaching lawfare is continuing against the Trump Administration, Chapman is probably teaching 437 Court Cases are legitimate: https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/
That number of cases are only meant to obstruct the agenda he was elected to do. Trump has not violated any judges order, he has won on appeal to higher courts.
I bet today Chapman will mention Trump indicted the New York Attorney General Letitia James in retribution. Will he bother the say a Grand Jury of citizens heard the evidence and THEY indicted her?
She does deserve an Academy Award though for her performance claiming she’s innocent.
Maybe a student can let me know.
Keep up the good work Diane.
Do it Lady!
Hello, I am a student at Unit 5. You know me as Locally Source, as we had a lot of debates last year over this platform. Surprise! You’ve been arguing with a teenager! As much as I am politically involved and most of the political drama I get myself into is by my own doing, sometimes situations end up on my doorstop. To hear that Mr. Chapman is being attacked for wearing an Abolish ICE t-shirt is almost laughable. Do you realize how many shirts he wears? He, if nothing else, is an incredible teacher who respects all beliefs. I know many students — Democrats and Republicans alike — who adore Mr. Chapman for this reason. This t-shirt was to spark a conversation, and regardless of how he feels about it, it did just that. I’ve had many insightful conversations with people my age about politics, and thanks to the great work of these social studies teachers, I am confident that my generation will be politically literate enough to find compromises. We don’t always agree, but I have grown to find political conversation insightful and fun. And, through most of these debates and conversations lies a social studies teacher. Not sharing his own opinion, but instead facilitating the conversation and asking us the important questions.
Mr. Chapman is not indoctrinating anyone. Unit 5 has a full arsenal of amazing Social Studies teachers in all subjects who truly do respect all beliefs. His class and soccer team is made up of students from every background and they work together all the same. This is the way it used to be before partisan politics divided America. Instead of talking about Democrats V. Republicans, we talk about America as a whole and the way it functions. I understand that every parent is scared their child will leave home and come back a different person, but that’s the risk of education. Yes, education, not indoctrination. If you feel like the facts shared by a professional in that field will make your student start to disagree with you, then you need to find your own facts or educate them yourselves. If facts and history go against your beliefs then it’s time to evaluate your facts and beliefs.
Lastly, on the subject of him manipulating us by teaching us what he wants us to know I have two things to say. Firstly: there is a curriculum. He does not choose everything he wants to teach and although he has creative liberty, he has to follow a set standard of what to teach. Secondly: teenagers will make their own decisions. They will defy their parents and their teachers. They will blatantly ignore, disregard and disrespect any adult regardless of their occupation. Good luck getting teenagers to agree with you, have fun indoctrinating them. Mr. Chapman teaches history, as does a department of other teachers who also teach history. They may not teach the same, but they all educate their students and I can say that no matter what t-shirt the teacher has on that I can go to them for facts or help. Mr. Chapman is a great man who is not only a teacher or soccer coach, he is a staple of NCHS and I can say that there is an amazing portion of the student body who feel the same and will come to his defense. So while we appreciate the concern, we’ve got it covered, thanks!
Locally Sourced, Class of 2027
The students believe they are in charge. Wonderful.
Not that we are in charge, but we still can hold an opinion.
Aren’t cell phones banned?
The use of cell phones aren’t banned, but they may not be used during instructional hours, unless the teacher allows it.
I’m commenting on your blog through my school computer.
Hey Diane, I see your don’t like being properly informed before writing articles. If you would like to speak directly to a student in his 4th hr civics please send an email to roundoffanikan@gmail.com (throw away email for my protection as a student)
😂
What a world we live in when children insist they can raise themselves, with other people’s money.
This right here is why childless property owners and property owners whose children have graduated and are no longer using the school system are being stolen from. State and federal education is just another part of the biggest ponzi scheme this world has ever seen. And then this kid thinks they should just not give their opinion, just their money.
@LocallySourced
You’re a greedy punk.
Greedy punk is my favorite type of music boomer.
1. All punks are posers. I’m not surprised you would admit to being a poser. But we know I wasn’t talking about the music scene.
2. You’re a punk because you’re acting entitled to stranger’s money, and it’s laughable to me.
3. Calling someone a boomer is just dumb kid speak for “I don’t have an actual rebuttal, so I’m just gonna namecall.” Very mature.
4. Teachers need a dress code. Wearing Klan robes to class would spark a TON of discussion, but a person would still look stupid doing it. Sparking discussion is just a lazy way of saying “I don’t know how to properly teach.” You would think Unit 5 could hire teachers that don’t need provocative visual aids to instigate a class discussion.
5. I’m pretty sure you’re not who you say you are because I can’t think of a single reason any teenager would bother to troll a political blog. Teenagers ALWAYS have better things to do. You sound more like one of those commie pieces of trash that are butthurt over Diane telling the truth. Imagine being this upset over a woman having an opinion you didn’t want to allow her to have.
In conclusion, you’re a greedy phony. Lies are all you know. And you can blame “teachers” like Mr. Chapman for the delusional state you find yourself in. Best of luck to ya.
I am not going to reply for Locally Sourced as this comment is CLEARLY referred to him, but I want to say things. Some teens may be inclined to go outside and some time out, or they could go on a blog that is systematically attacking a man’s first amendment rights and try to argue against this hate speech. For me, I would 100% go and comment on this ordeal because like it or not, we teenagers each have a voice, a pretty powerful one, so if we can set our mind on something, it can have a real impact on what they are passionate about. 🙂
Teachers don’t have 1st Amendment rights in classrooms. I did a whole story on the Supreme Court ruling.
Look kid, I could care less that you have a voice. Your voice means absolutely ZERO to me, and it will stay that way until you are no longer under the umbrella of your parents, or you turn 18. Let me make this clear. I don’t care what you have to say, especially when you repeatedly lie. Who exactly is taking away Mr. Chapman’s freedom of speech? Who? Nobody, that’s who. You’re lying. Also, there’s no hate speech here. Hate speech is made up. You can’t fight against hate speech and also fight for freedom of speech at the same time. It makes no sense. Again, you’re lying. Your response makes why people don’t like Mr. Chapman’s methods extremely clear. His rhetoric is creating activists, not students. You’re learning to fight for a cause, not to think for yourself. Mr. Chapman is either a willing participant, or he is a useful ignorant fool. Either way, when students are graduating without being able to read and write, teaching activism instead of phonics is irresponsible and grossly incompetent. God help us.
Well written, you slayed. I can verify this is all correct
Yet my question hasn’t been answered. That speaks volumes!
Which question diva? I can help
1- phones arent banned at NCHS (that’s bhs diva)
2- Matt Chapman used his wearing of the abolish ice shirt to demonstrate we should question all everything/everyone
3- yes high school students have taken a louder approach to this than letting it happen. The USA is f*cked rn. Students will be loud and we will be heard at the school board meeting
Which party has a history of white supremacy?
This isn’t US history girl, different class from the previous year😂😂and yes we did learn about segregation and historical white supremacist movements. But I also know the party’s had a little flip flop at some point, a simple google search proves that lol
https://www.studentsofhistory.com/ideologies-flip-Democratic-Republican-parties
Sure, which party want to fund Planned Parenthood? Know why they were created? If you did you would know the parties never switched sides.
Now who’s party currently in the us had the support of the triple k in the past recent elections (I’ll tell you a secret, it wasn’t the democrats) weather you believe in the switch or not is something that’s been argued for decades. But again this “debate” is about our 1st amendment rights as Americans. Not weather or not you have Critical thinking skills.
KKK was democrats and were wiped out after Woodrow Wilson was gone and pushed their ideology. Did you know he re- segregated the military?
Diane you know so little of history. How many Democrats are governors, senators, representatives in the South in the 21st century? None.
After the passing of Civil Rights Act and the Nixon’s Southern Strategy, his initiative to change disaffected Dixiecrats turn Republican. White Supremacist are now largely Trump supporters. Republicans now a large are part of the modern history of white supremacy.
The strange part is that you refuse to understand the part that slavery, Jim Crow, segregation was part of our history the history of the United States. It doesn’t matter what party partook in keeping freed blacks down. It was enforced by those who were in power. They were white, male who held people in slavery a brutal institution where African Americans were often worked to death, raped and murdered. The South wanted to retain slavery and suceeded from the Union. After the Civil War the traitors lost.
Hilarious! Democrats never got over losing slaves. Hence KKK, poll taxes, Jim Crow, etc etc etc. illegals are the new slaves. Cheap labor and trafficked kids. If they cared they would have made DACA recipients legal when they had all 3 branches. Instead they are pawns.
Sounds like this student is out to get an A+ from Chapman and be his number one pet! 🍎
I don’t know how wearing an “Abolish Ice” t-shirt is part of any curriculum. Obviously, ICE is a current event, his wearing that t-shirt is taking a radical stance and announcing it. It is divisive and absolute. There is no question mark on his t-shirt that is welcoming debate. He is using his power to influence his students because he is a “good teacher.” I’m sure his wearing the t-shirt evoked a sense of power, command, and emotion within himself.
If he truly wanted an unbiased debate on the existence of ICE, there could have been a prompt on the board. There are plenty of ways to bring a topic into the classroom and keeping a teacher’s politics out of school.
Passing the US Constitution test is a requirement for HS graduation. When I took it, the teacher kept it very objective. If Mr. Chapman is using the Constitution as a political platform for the 1st Amendment, the 2nd Amendment and the 25th Amendment, then there is a problem. If his shirt made ANY student afraid or uncomfortable to speak in support of ICE, that is impacting that student’s right to free speech. If he uses school shootings as a reason to abolish the 2nd amendment or impose strict gun control, he is using fear to create a movement for young people to abolish the 2nd amendment. If he is stating any opinions about Trump being an unfit President, he is encouraging students to support the invocation of the 25th Amendment whenever they want. Then that’s the problem. It’s those seemingly innocuous things that bias the students. Ask students of Mr. Chapman who were in his classes prior to the 2016 election and they would tell you he wasn’t political at the time and would not be wearing t-shirts like that.
We can only hope that U5 will put policies in place that prohibit teachers wearing political messaging clothing. It makes them walking billboards. Hopefully, U5 will require the Social Studies teachers to follow the curriculum. But I don’t have a lot of confidence.
Locally Sourced I appreciate your feedback on Mr. Chapman but I have said it before and I will say it again schools are no place to wear any political symbolism period. Not allowed for a many reasons.
You can however let us know when Mr. Chapman wears a maga hat or tee shirt to school! Won’t happen and you know why!
I’ve seen MAGA t-shirts and hats all the time. It doesn’t bother me because we live in a democracy with free speech. I may not agree but I’m glad we don’t all agree so that we can have these productive conversations and become politically literate voters in the future.
Some of my best friends are Republicans. It doesn’t bother me because it comes down to morals.
Should I assume you think democrats have morals and republicans don’t?
Everyone has morals. Some are stronger. Our political parties are made through our own individual experiences. Republicans have morals, as do Democrats. There are Democrats who have terrible morals and and Republicans who have great and strong morals. Vice versa.
I was taught, by these teachers, to look at someone’s character over the way they vote.
Should have said character instead
Thanks for the revision?
I believe everyone has morals, or they should. I am not about calling specific political party denominations “immoral” or “dumbfounded” Sometimes the people within the party are like that.
So what about the kid(s) who wore a thin blue line shirt? Remember that or are you to young? Are you able to vote? Probably not. Sit down. When you have your own children maybe you will get it. It is not the teacher’s job to speak about whether ICE is wrong or right. It the job of the teacher to teach actual facts and not their opinions. It is obvious your life has been filled with participation trophies. Not here. You want facts? You want to argue? Why don’t we get into the Supreme Court ruling? NO? When you finally starting having to be a real adult and pay taxes, your tune might change. All of your comments scream brainwashed.
You think you know history? We live in a Republic, not a Democracy. Have you said the Pledge of Allegiance lately?
Hello, I’m a student at NCHS, and I want to say that it’s unfair to attack a teacher for expressing his opinion. Mr. Chapman is very well respected by many students because he teaches history in a way that helps us understand different positions and think for ourselves. He doesn’t tell students what to believe or try to make anyone agree with him.
Wearing a shirt with a message does NOT mean he is forcing his ideas on anyone. It creates a chance to talk about important topics, ask questions, and have real conversations. Students are smart enough to form their own opinions and to think critically about what they hear.
If people actually spent time in his classroom, they would see that discussions are respectful, open, and based on facts and common sense. Attacking him online does not support education or help students learn. Teachers like Mr. Chapman encourage students to ask questions, challenge ideas, and understand the world better. That is exactly what school should be about, and it should be appreciated, not criticized.
– NCHS Junior
Repeating taking points?
Maybe, but what Locally Sourced posted earlier is spot on!
Parroting is encouraged
You must have missed the Illinois Report Card on NCHS
@Locally Sourced,
I’m also locally sourced but from a different era (60’s) that may have been just as contentious. It was a very liberal period then, but I never remember any history or civics teacher encouraging one viewpoint or the other. I obviously ended up conservative, and I voted for Trump along with the voting majority of the nation young and old.
It’s important to look at subjects from more than one perspective. Thanks for yours.
I’m glad you like Mr. Chapman but I’m still worried about how and what he teaches when he says –
“Yes. Infuriated. Spent the next day teaching high school civics classes. Listened to students’ anger about <b<MAGA/Nazi/GOP's embrace of white supremacy. And reminded students of our govt’s foundation on white supremacist principles. Always gonna speak TRUTH to my students.”
Here’s why:
1. Where did his students get the idea of Republicans and Trump supporters being Nazis and White supremacists? Did he encourage this, did he “teach” this, or did he give different opinions about it too? It doesn’t sound like he would.
2. Does he actually teach that America was founded on White supremacy like he says? There are many things you can say about America but that isn’t a prevalent viewpoint. Did he teach that America was founded on Judeo Christian principles too and have you explored that?
3. Would you say he likes and supports his country or prefers to attack it?
4. When he wears an Abolish ICE tee shirt does he also teach on the importance of laws and law enforcement?
5. Does he teach the Zinn Project material and the New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones’1619 revision of American history? It is contentious and not very much accepted as a true representation of history.
6. Does he teach the 1619 history that says the reason for the American Revolution was to preserve slavery? If so do you believe that?
7. Would you say he presents viewpoint diversity in his classes, or viewpoint orthodoxy where alternate viewpoints are discouraged, marginalized or punished?
8. Are you very certain about how he votes, what he thinks about republicans, Trump, and all political issues or do you think his vote isn’t certain in your mind.
9. If you were to poll your class would you say that the majority of the students would also vote democrat, hate Trump, feel that America was founded on White supremacist principles, is a racist country, and generally have the same political views of the teacher?
10. Would you say that some students go along with him but don’t really accept what he is saying?
11. Would you say that Mr. Chapman’s intention is to get everyone to agree with his viewpoint on every issue?
You are young and your future is being shaped by the teachers and hopefully the parents you have. What you learn about America, politics and social issues in high school will be the foundation of your beliefs for the rest of your life. As nice as Mr. Chapman seems to be, and I’m sure he is, I hope that he isn’t imposing his worldview on you in a biased manner. When he says –“ gonna speak TRUTH to my students”, that’s a red flag to me. That implies anger and bias to me. To me he’s saying I’m gonna speak MY TRUTH to my students, and I’m gonna make sure they all agree with me.
The very best teachers will challenge their students to look at ALL perspectives, not just the ones they hold. They will encourage debate, and they will celebrate viewpoint diversity, not discourage it. You would leave their class still wondering what side of the aisle or issue you fall on, not certain you and the teacher believe the exact same things, but NOT feel bad about it. This frees you up to think for yourself and make up your own mind which will serve you well in the future, especially in this day and age where education has become a political tool.
Yeah, I thank you for that. However, what he posts on his personal accounts outside of school that reflect his personal opinions is not what he talks about to his students. Also, white supremacy is a historical fact and he teaches history. Although it looks like a really political opinion, every teacher says they teach the truth and in his case he is being honest.
A lot of what you say I agree with, actually, and I can reassure you that Democrats and Republicans feel welcome and included in his classes. He acknowledges them both and he focuses on larger compromises rather than a competition this-or-that. In many cases students disagree with each other and he does a good job of making them unaware of what side he stands on. He is notorious for playing devil’s advocate and asking questions to guide political discussions, at times helping one side and other times helping another.
While supremacy was only 1 party. Know which one?
I understand Locally Sourced, but what he posted talks about what he was teaching in his class, and it was alarming to me.
Thanks again for your inside perspective. Most of us here see things from the outside. We have a different perspective and both perspectives have their advantages. Mine comes from seeing this.
1. Education in Illinois is failing academically. Students are graduating in need of remedial education.
2. Cost of public education is massive and increasing, and we still see the district asking for more money.
3. Discipline problems in schools are increasing at alarming rates. Unit 5 is on probation for it (so to speak).
4. Families are leaving public schools and enrollment numbers are declining even as immigrant enrollment is increasing. More would leave if they could afford it.
5. The pedagogy is based on Social Emotional ideology that focuses on activism for social change. This is from the ISBE’s mandates. I have the receipts.
6. Teachers appear (from the outside) to be focusing on personal, political and social beliefs while their students fail.
7. I could go on about Equity but I won’t. Just know that it is a problem from my perspective.
I really appreciate your willingness to discuss!
Notice my question wasn’t answered?
And let me give you students a history lesson I am entitled to state my opinion about Mr Chapman wearing a political statement to school I pay part of Mr Chapmans salary!
Cool, I pay taxes too. Yes, you are entitled to state your opinion, and I am entitled to state my opinion and exercise my right to disagree with you and what you say against others.
You pay taxes which means a minuscule amount goes towards his salary. That’s not a history lesson, it’s economics. And, as someone who understands economics, then I should bring up the fact that Mr. Chapman is also a tax paying citizen which means, Bobby, he is also paying his own salary. . .
And it has nothing to do with you paying taxes that you can state your opinion, that’s an American right that is protected in the 1st amendment. That’s history, Bobby.
Students with actual experience in his classroom and school speaking up. Right on! And good on them for speaking up so eloquently, confidently, and kindly. THOSE are the kinds of students Unit 5 is developing in their social studies classes. And shame on those of you attacking them, refusing to hear them, or calling them “greedy punks.” They came here with good intentions, didn’t insult any of you, and they were just seeking honest dialogue.
As to Unit 5, I have two kids in the District. The oldest is in 8th grade at one of the middle schools. And you know what- the only time politics has been brought up (and we talk alot about what he does in school) was by his English teacher last year. She said she voted for Trump and talked to them about it. Did I think it was kind of weird? Yes. Did my son? Yep. But, at the end of the day I wasn’t in the class, I dont have the larger context, and I’m okay with my son being exposed to different views in life. Would I put the teacher on blast and dox them. Hell no! If I had a problem I’d contact them directly LIKE AN ADULT. And, she’s a good English teacher, so who cares!
And in terms of this “article” you make all sorts of wild assumptions. If you think he is bringing up the indictment of Leitita James in class, you clearly dont understand the classroom. Kids dont care about that- they’d find it boring. Teachers have curriculums (like the students graciously pointed out to you), and its incredibly hard to keep them engaged in the digital age. No teacher is going to deviate that much from their plans for a news story that the majority of their students wont care about. Are current issues brought up? Yes- but only if they fit into the larger context of the lesson being taught and are issues that will actually engage teenagers. You really need to stop making assumptions about things you dont know. It’s wild.
Kudos to those kids for speaking up & back to my Pumpkin Spice Latte!
FYI: alot isn’t a word
Is reducing yourself to Grammarly something you do regularly when you are losing arguments alot?
Not losing, just letting kids talk
Last year you repeatedly deleted my comments and even now you have to approve them before they are posted. I suppose, though, that you just now figured out I’m a teenager.
I always knew that!
Diane, please. I repeatedly lied about me being an adult. Now, though, I don’t really care. My name is Jack, I’m 17, and debating you has been really fun.
Good
There is no way, you enjoy and entertain debating high school students on your blog. Anyways, your opinions are yours, its your choice how to express them, but calling for his removal is too far.
Did you see NCHS proficiency? Somebody isn’t teaching!
(For Diane bc I can’t reply to her reply on this)Student proficiency has nothing to do with Chapman, he’s a social studies teacher. Not the school board or unit5. It’s giving Red herring bc you know you aren’t right and you should have done more research
😂😂
Can’t read, do math or science but it’s not teachers fault
FYI: the writer isn’t wrong 🙂
Did you see your blog activity? Someone isn’t reading!
You are funny! Wasted enough learning time yet?
All comments from kids will be banned for the rest of the day. In the meantime try reading actual history
If you were reading actual history, you wouldn’t be agreeing with your teacher. Who was it that ended slavery? That would be Republicans. Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Republican? Was MLK Jr. part of White Supremacy? How is it that minorities have the same opportunities that whites do? It is a fact that white people are the majority so it looks like minorities don’t have a chance. White Supremacy would never allow a Black and Latino Supreme Court Justice or a CEO of a major corporation or the president of a bank.
This is a cheap shot, given that you publish misspellings all the time.
Blame spellchecker
@Something Is there a reason you couldn’t respond to me directly? Have a problem with how I speak, do you? Why are you trying to tone police me, especially over the internet? Please, ask me if I care. Now, I can say with absolute certainty that I am THRILLED that I don’t own property in McLean county anymore. Using money stolen from me to pay for your kids to get a sub-par education is beyond ignorant to me. Just more ponzi scheme BS. And I treated this alleged “student” the way I did because I’m not real fond of subtle condescension. Kinda like your passive aggressive non-mention of me. How about you worry about how you talk, and I’ll worry about how I talk, ok, Karen? Mind your own business about how anyone expresses themselves, bigot.
Sheesh, someone ain’t happy. If you got a problem (or a life) go and solve them outside of a political blog. Absolutely crazy, trying to think in your head how to insult someone on the internet over property taxes.
Leave Illinois before you pay 4 times more than other states for subpar education
Honestly, I could care less that you think I’m crazy. Good. I’m glad you think that, because that means you will leave me alone when I’m in public, and trust me when I say, I want it that way. Once again, you whine about trying to take Mr. Chapman’s freedom of speech, and here you are complaining about my choice of words. Get over yourself already. You’re clearly your own biggest mark.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic is what is supposed to be taught in our schools that is what I was taught and I can honestly say that my teachers did a very good job.
I can understand now via many of these comments why the learning results of our students are so low. Not a matter of learning but let’s see how you feel about current events today and what can we in the classroom do to help you feel better. Something that is the role of parents to do not the teachers.
Diane you are a true saint for allowing those that are currently in our educational system to respond to what and how they are being taught. Sure is an eye opener!
They haven’t figured out they are done for the day. Commenting when they are supposed to be learning must be why proficiency is down
@ Locally Sourced 8:12am. 1) Were you debating or arguing? Surely you know there is a difference. Perhaps you could have worded that differently for clarity. 2) “This t-shirt was to spark a conversation, and regardless of how he feels about it, it did just that.” As you make that statement, does Mr. Chapman wear any conservative t-shirts to spark conversation? Imagine the conversations sparked if he wore a MAGA t-shirt. Perhaps you can provide us with unadulterated pictures of Mr. Chapman wearing t-shirts representing a myriad of opposing views to set us all at ease that he’s not a one trick propaganda pony.
Thank you. I was going to say the anti-ICE t-shirt Could indeed be a learning tool if he also wore MAGA, All Lives Matter, Guns Save Life, and other right-leaning shirts in a balanced manner to spark Those conversations. From his social media post above, it’s clear that he would not do so, as he has most likely drunk his fill of the lie-flavored kool-aid, unless he’s actually outright evil and consciously and purposely promoting lies.
Congratulations Diane, 61 comments posted let’s hear it for Bloomington Normal News
The Pantagraph won’t print any of my letters to the editor I guess that conservative views are not welcome!
I’ve been wearing t-shirts for 60 years. I can’t remember ever wearing even one that represented something that I didn’t support. Sure I was ready for conversation if someone asked me why I was wearing a certain subject matter but I would never wear something I didn’t believe in. T-shirts are most definitely, most usually worn to represent something that one believes in. Sorry but I’m not buying this storyline the claimed to be a highschool kid is selling.
Tomorrow should seal it
Kids in a school are like kids on a production line. Words from a real junior high kid.
https://www.bitchute.com/video/LPHI6pf2f5mV