Massachusetts Montessori Preschool Closed Indefinitely Following Controversial Activity

A Massachusetts Montessori preschool has been closed indefinitely following a controversial classroom activity intended to honor Black History Month. At ICKids Montessori Preschool in Newton, a teacher engaged students in creating masks using black paint on paper plates, a practice deemed highly inappropriate and offensive. This incident, which occurred in 2022, drew immediate backlash from parents after they learned of the activity through social media.

Controversial Activities

In addition to the mask-making, students participated in an activity called ‘planking,’ reminiscent of the historical horrors of slavery and how enslaved individuals were transported across the ocean. The school’s initial apology posted on Facebook was criticized for its insensitivity and lack of genuine remorse. The message began with “To all who are offended,” and attempted to justify the activity by stating that the intention was to celebrate Black History Month, but it only further fueled outrage.

Revised Statement and Closure

The preschool later issued a revised statement acknowledging the poorly phrased apology and the need for better research and planning in their curriculum. They confirmed that the teacher responsible for the activity was no longer employed there.

Due to the severe backlash—including protests that the school claimed posed a risk to the children—the preschool announced its indefinite closure. They pledged that, should they reopen, all staff would undergo training in diversity and age-appropriate curriculum planning and that efforts would be made to enhance staff diversity and ongoing professional development in multicultural issues.

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Conclusion

In summary, the preschool’s attempt to celebrate Black History Month resulted in a significant backlash due to their poorly thought-out activities. They have since closed and vowed to improve their educational practices in the future.