SCV Condemns Efforts to 'Dumb Down' Georgia History Students

Press Release - February 7, 2004 - For Immediate Release

Dilution of History Curriculum to become a Delusion for Georgia Students

There's been a great deal of press coverage about the removal of the word "evolution" from the state school curriculum lately, but very little of the proposal to revamp the social studies/history curriculum. State School Superintendent, Kathy Cox, continues her campaign to "dumb down" the students of Georgia.

A recent proposal to scrap a comprehensive American History program at the high school level has been introduced at the state level. If this measure passes, high school students in grades 9-12 will no longer be given a foundation in history before 1876.

The Georgia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, do hereby denounce this proposal and ask all parents, teachers, and students to make their concerns known about this change in educational preparation. All concerned parents should contact your state representatives and senators before May.

As our young people's intellect and curiosity matures to a point where materials presented would allow them to draw independent conclusions, the opportunity to understand the complex issues that took place to form the colony of Georgia, the American Revolution against Great Britain, the Louisiana Purchase and expansion, economic and regional differences within the United States, southern state secession and formation of the Confederate States of America, and reconstruction will all be taken away. We believe that high school students, in order to be successful in the future, must be well grounded in their past.

One wonders what the educational experts and legislators are trying to hide from our young adults and future leaders, educators, and parents? They counter that Early American History will be covered in the pre-high school years (K-8).

Following this logic, would it be safe to assume that they feel that 4th grade reading levels would be sufficient for high school and college work? Or perhaps understanding of biology in the 7th grade is adequate for entrance into college, careers in bio-technology, or perhaps even medical school? If it is acceptable to reduce the comprehensive nature of our history, then what will be next to be dropped by the 8th grade, spelling, grammar, mathematics?

We of course, are especially concerned over all the misinformation that has been published from the 1860s to the present regarding the Southern region's politics, history, economy, government, religion, society, culture, and heritage. At a time when we need greater understanding, especially as we prepare our high school students to enter into the college arena, or prepare to be informed, knowledgeable, productive and valuable citizens, our state officials are cutting the opportunity for knowledge in the area of history.

They say that the victors write the history. Those with knowledge of history are aware that the New England states dominated publishing, particular of textbooks and history books throughout the first 150 years of this country. Is it any wonder that they emphasize New England heroes and values? Does it surprise you in social, cultural, and historical instances, including the War Between the States, that the New England, Yankee, Puritan point of view supercedes and eliminates the Southern perspective?

There are two sides to every coin. There are two sides to all conflicts. In America, we pride ourselves in presenting the facts from both sides and allowing individuals to objectively derive their own conclusions. Those who do not have a strong grounding in American History from 1750-1875, will no longer be exposed to any adult level history presentations once in high school. Can you imagine your children growing up with out any knowledge about our country's formation?

The objectivity of most texts has been in question since the beginning of the 20th century. Now in the 21st century, we allow our officials to declare that history for high school students is null and void prior to 1876. This is unacceptable. Those who are uninformed about the past are doomed to repeat it.

In an effort to support the educational development for our Georgia children, the Georgia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans is forming a Southern viewpoint of American History and will make it available later this year to interested parents, students, teachers, school officials at a nominal cost. We are also exploring certification of the history course that would allow high school level credit to be issued to students who successfully complete the program. You have heard the Northern version of our Southern history; now explore the other side of the coin with a Southern perspective, which is a true version of our history.

If you are concerned about this continuing erosion of our educational system you can contact Kathy Cox, State School Superintendent, at:
2066 Twin Towers East
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Tel (404) 656-2800
FAX (404) 651-8737