An Adolf Hitler-themed question-and-answer assignment given to students at an Atlanta private school has sparked outrage from parents over its alleged anti-Semitic nature.
According to , eighth graders at Mount Vernon School in Atlanta identified the leader’s characteristics of Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, whose anti-Semitic ideology fueled the Holocaust. They were asked a series of questions to evaluate them. fox 5 atlanta.
One of the questions posed to the students was, “According to the Mount Vernon Mindset rubric, how would you rate Adolf Hitler as a ‘solution seeker’?”
The second question asked students how they would rate Adolf Hitler as an ethical decision maker.
In both questions, students were given the option to select “lack of evidence, approaches expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations” to describe a ruthless dictator. I did.
The bizarre question sparked anger from parents, many of whom were concerned that they were anti-Semitic in nature, the report said.
Pupils at private schools also found the questions problematic, with one student saying the assignment could be seen as “troublesome” and glorifying warmongering totalitarian leaders, the outlet said. told.
Another student told the magazine: “It’s obviously terrible in the current context.” “Knowing Mount Vernon, we do something a little different around here.”
The student added that the school is known for “trying to think outside the box,” but “that often doesn’t work.”
Several former students told Fox 5 that these questions were not asked in eighth grade.
While many parents and students were upset about the assignment, one student believed the school was trying to present a historically evocative question that required students to use critical thinking skills.
“I certainly understand why they would be angry, but overall I think it’s important to look at both sides of the coin in every situation and be able to compare and contrast everything that’s happened in the history of the world. “I think that’s important,” the student said, “for better or for worse.”
Mount Vernon officials said they became aware of the wording of the assignment question and removed it from the school’s curriculum.
Mount Vernon Principal Kristi Lundstrom said in a statement that the assignment “aims to increase students’ knowledge of factual events and to understand the manipulation of fear utilized by Adolf Hitler in connection with the Treaty of Versailles.” “It was an exploration of World War II.” ”
“Immediately after this incident, I shared my perspective with the school’s Head of Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Behavior, the Head of Middle School, and some of our family members who were concerned and supported us. I met with a school friend at the rabbi to thoroughly review the mission and its impact on the community.”
“The events of Adolf Hitler and his time are difficult and traumatic to discuss.”
The private school, located about 26 miles outside of downtown Atlanta, is a “coeducational full-time school with an enrollment of more than 1,200 students in grades preschool through 12th grade,” according to the school. Website.
“We are a school of exploration, innovation, and impact. Grounded in Christian values, we strive to prepare all students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged civic leaders. ” reads its mission statement.
