Radical is now part of the 3 R’s. Update to this previous story.
Via NJ Com
An Orange elementary school teacher has been suspended for having her third-grade students write “get well” letters to an inmate convicted of killing a cop, school officials announced today.
In a statement provided by Orange Superintendent Ronald Lee, district officials sharply criticized the assignment given by teacher Marylin Zuniga to write letters to former death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal.
School officials said they “vehemently deny” having prior knowledge of the assignment, and said Zuniga neither sought prior approval nor notified parents about this “unauthorized activity.”
“The Orange Public Schools was surprised to learn through recent news reports that one of its teachers, Ms. Marilyn Zuniga, a third grade teacher at Forest Street Elementary School, involved her students in a ‘get well’ letter writing assignment to convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal,” the statement reads.
“The school’s principal and district administrators vehemently deny that it had any knowledge of the assignment and preliminary inquiries find that no approval was ever sought nor were parents notified about this unauthorized activity.
“The incident reported is in no way condoned nor does it reflect curriculum, program or activities approved by the district.”
The district is closed for spring break this week, but school officials said they will commence a full investigation into the matter when staff and students return on Monday.
“Ms. Zuniga will be immediately suspended with pay until such time the investigation is completed and based upon the results of the investigation additional action may be taken by the Board of Education,” the statement reads.
District officials declined further comment on the matter, “because it has now become a personnel issue.”
Zuniga did not respond to messages seeking comment.[…]
According to Zuniga’s page on the school website, she holds “a Bachelors of Arts in Family and Child Studies and a NJ certification of eligibility with advanced standing (grades K-5) from Montclair State University.” She also graduated from “Teachers College, Columbia University with a Masters in Curriculum and Teaching,” according to the page.
“Marylin is fluent in Spanish and has over 6 years experience working with children as a student teacher, after-school teacher and curriculum designer, and community organizer,” the page reads.
“During her spare time she enjoys yoga, reading and DJing. Ms. Zuñiga is passionate about her students and always keeps them first!”
HT: Louisiana Mom