Parents in Ames are expressing concern over a lesson that was reportedly given to third-grade students by Jesica Sidler, the Equity Professional Development Lead. Third-grade students were allegedly asked to classify themselves to show their privilege. The lesson was reportedly given at the end of the year in 2021.
The Iowa Standard reached out to Sidler and the district for comment prior to publication, but neither responded. If they do respond, we’ll provide an update.
Different categories were listed such as age, social class, gender, race, ethnicity, language, ability, sexual orientation and religion.
There was a “power advantage” listed for each identity as well as an “oppressed disadvantage.”
So, for the gender class, males were listed as having a power advantage while women, females, transgender or gender-neutral people were listed as an oppressed disadvantage.
For race, white is listed as a power advantage and black or people of color were listed as an oppressed disadvantage.
For ethnicity, Americans and Europeans were listed as having the power advantage while “everyone else” was listed as an oppressed disadvantage.
It was similar when it comes to language. English was listed as the power advantage while “all other languages” were listed as an oppressed disadvantage.
Third-grade students were told about sexual orientation and how straight people have a “power advantage” while LGBTQIA individuals are an oppressed disadvantaged group.
Finally, under religion, Christians are labeled as having a power advantage while “everyone else” is listed as an oppressed disadvantage.
Here is the chart:
