Slave Auction: Educational or Demeaning? : The Principal Replies

The simulation of a slave auction in a classroom at West High School was done in the context of a serious history lesson and was a part of an entire unit of study on the period of U.S. history leading up to the Civil War. This unit also included the works of Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth as well as information on Nat Turner and other important African Americans of the era.

The teachers involved were very aware of the sensitive nature of the unit and took care to monitor students’ reactions. This student had an opportunity to switch roles, and she, as well as any other student, always has the option of participating in an alternate activity if there is a valid reason. The activity culminated in an in-class discussion and a follow-up writing assignment. At no time did the student indicate discomfort or emotional pain, nor did she ever speak to the teachers about it. In fact, she never even mentioned it to her mother until days after the event.

The simulation is part of a well-developed, district-approved curriculum which was taught effectively and with sensitivity to our multicultural student body. These powerful teaching techniques are used to enhance understanding about valuing one another as human beings. This unit has been in place in Torrance schools for some time with positive results.

As always, teachers are to use their discretion and sensitivity, as these teachers did, in assigning work and instructional activities while balancing the curricular demands of the course and the personal needs of the students. Unfortunately, the media make it easy for one person’s negative views to get publicity because the topic can be easily sensationalized.

I appreciate the great job that these teachers and all of West High School’s teachers do in teaching and not being afraid to do what is right. In all of our actions at West, we will continue to have the best interests of students at heart and to be sensitive to their reactions to all classroom activities.