Both Sides By Rev. Nina D. Grey February, 2001

Reflections on learning, growing and education for our times ...

A professor of mine, David Leonard, once said that the United States was west of history, so focused on the present and the future that we neglect the history and lessons of the past. In high school, I learned some ancient European history and some American history (if not as thoroughly as I might). I didn't learn the histories of other places and peoples, the history our families and schools failed to teach many of us.

February, Black History Month, helps us focus on the complex and meaningful histories and heritages of Africa and African Americans. We encounter these histories as lifelong learners, seeking ever more meaning, inspiration, and purpose for our lives. We engage in this history as part of our UU free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This learning encourages our growth in mind and spirit.

We have to ask, today: What are the children of the United States learning in 2001 about the histories of our world? How are we supporting their learning? Are we creating and sustaining vigorous educational opportunities for all our children, public school experiences that will help them appreciate the richness of all their multiplicity of heritages? We need to do this so that they may learn to appreciate and respect themselves and others, so that they can learn how to live respectfully and joyfully in a profoundly pluralistic world.

I am deeply concerned about the new national administration's support of a system of school vouchers. School vouchers will take more strength from already troubled public schools. I pray we will encourage our legislators to reject vouchers when considering education reform. Let us also pay attention this spring to our state legislature as it considers supporting Illinois schools with the state income tax rather with sin taxes and local property taxes. There is now a huge gap between what wealthier and poorer communities spend per child on public school education. How we support the public education of our youngest citizens is a crucial question for our times. In the year 2001, let us be intentional and thoughtful about what our children will learn and how we will provide for their education. Their educational future is our sacred trust.

In faith, with love,

Nina