I must admit that I don't always understand the way of thinking of people from the heartland. It is fair to say that most of them, probably, feel the same way about us "crazy, liberal New Yorkers."
I just came across an article in the Guardian about a teacher at a school in Indiana, who was suspended for teaching the best-seller The Writers Diary.
In an interview with the Guardian Ms. Connie Heermann explained her reasoning for teaching the book:
"If you read the whole book you will see how these inner-city students grow and change and become articulate, compassionate, educated young people who want to do something good in their lives despite the environment in which they were raised," ... "I thought my students would very much relate to those kids."
According to the article, Ms. Heermann was granted permission by her supervisor, and had written permission from 150 parents; however, the school board had asked her to wait for its decision on the book.
The Bord denies banning the book, and instead accuses Ms. Heermann of insubordination.
In the words of the President of the board, "She [Ms. Heermann] knew she had defied her supervisors' direction in her work and that her defiance was 'insubordination' and 'neglect of duty'."
