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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2024 (2:45pm)

RE: Hawaii Republican Party Calls for Immediate Action on Biased Classroom Material at Kapolei Middle School

HONOLULU, HI – The Hawaii Republican Party calls on the Department of Education (DOE) to take immediate corrective action following the distribution of a politically biased lesson at Kapolei Middle School that misrepresented the positions of the U.S. presidential candidates, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump.

The lesson, which simplified candidate positions on key issues such as crime, democracy, and immigration, has caused significant concern among parents and community members for its skewed portrayal of the Republican candidate. Statements like “Wants to keep our country a democracy” for Harris, versus “Tried to overturn the 2020 election” for Trump, suggest an unfair comparison that goes beyond educational analysis and into partisan judgment. The Hawaii Republican Party believes these statements oversimplify and mischaracterize the complex policy positions and intentions of both candidates, thereby undermining the integrity of a fair educational environment.

“We call on the DOE to uphold its responsibility to maintain an impartial educational experience for Hawaii’s students,” said Tamara McKay, Chair of the Hawaii Republican Party. “Public school classrooms should be places where students are encouraged to think critically and independently, without the influence of partisan perspectives from those who hold authority in their learning environment.”

While the DOE has stated its intent to engage students in civic topics impartially, this incident reveals a clear need for better oversight and guidance. The Hawaii Republican Party supports the right of educators to teach civic responsibility but insists that this must be done without presenting content that appears to favor or discredit any political figure or party.

The Hawaii Republican Party stands with concerned parents and calls on the DOE to:
1. Conduct a full review of the materials distributed.
2. Enact stricter guidelines to ensure educational materials are balanced, factual, and age-appropriate.
3. Implement disciplinary measures if any misconduct or failure to adhere to DOE standards is found.

“Biased materials in our schools create divisions and undermine trust in the public education system,” added McKay. “Hawaii’s students deserve an education that allows them to grow into informed, responsible citizens without the influence of political bias.”

Tamara McKay

State Chair, Hawaii Republican Party

[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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