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The Pollyanna curriculum centers around advancing systemic change and enhancing racial literacy, according to its website. Topics discussed include implicit bias, intersectionality, systemic racism and LGBTQ issues. Though used by schools across the country, the curriculum is also bashed on conservative blogs as propaganda. Our goal should be unity, not promoting any sub-group based on religious beliefs, skin color, ethnicity or sexual preference, the letter signed by five of the school s former board chairmen said. If we do not stand firm in our history and mission, we face losing the support not only of our parents, current and future, but also alumni and financial supporters of Bolles.
Guest column: Black Bolles alumni call for action
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As many are aware, we, the Black Bolles Alumni Group (BBAG), were disappointed to learn about Bolles’ premature decision to discontinue the plan to implement parts of the Pollyanna Curriculum. During a meeting with President and Head of School Tyler Hodges and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Twyla Ashman, we were provided an explanation.
As we were told, the school only intended to implement two of the eight modules available in the curriculum. Our discussion unveiled that Bolles’ implementation plan was “leaked,” before any formal communication could be made to parents, and an influential, vocal group of the Bolles community, with a minority opinion, opposed the selected curriculum.