Dr. Barbara Cooper, secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, has resigned, following direction from Gov. Kay Ivey over “concerning content in a Pre-K educator resource book” that was approved by Cooper.
According to a release from the governor’s office this afternoon, the book “contained a woke agenda, invokes ideas for teachers that there are ‘larger systemic forces that perpetuate systems of White privilege’ or that ‘the United States is built on systemic and structural racism.'”
Yellowhammer News obtained images of “Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs” which features the following language:
“Given how deeply embedded systemic and structural racial inequalities and biases — as well as those based on gender and gender identity, class, disability and immigration status — are in US society, high-quality early education alone is not a realistic solution to the problems they create.”
The book, intended to direct educators with instruction on educating toddlers to 5-year-olds, also says:
“LGBTQIA+ need to hear and see messages that promote equality, dignity and worth. Providing support and encouragement for personal expression and nongendered play — that is, honoring children’s ideas and choices with respect to gender roles and play — also teaches children acceptance and communicates their value without the classroom community. Gender inclusive early childhood spaces allow children to ‘easily move between roles or materials commonly regarded as male or female without any gendered expectations or barriers. Teachers can remove stereotypical labels and play expectations, introduce role models who have forged nontraditional paths, and actively monitor and counter biased assumptions, comments, messages and practices.”
It’s shown that Cooper personally endorsed the book, saying, “This work fully supports our practice in the field of early learning and care.”
The administration’s website says Cooper has worked in the department since 2018 and was appointed as secretary in July 2020.
The governor accepted Cooper’s resignation immediately and that she “remains appreciative for her service to the state and passion for early childhood education.”
“However, Governor Ivey strongly believes that woke concepts have no place at any level of education in the state of Alabama and should not be taking away from the overall mission of improving educational outcomes for students,” the statement said.
“Governor Ivey does not stand for these concepts. For as long as she is governor, Alabama will be focused on ensuring our students are receiving a quality education.”
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session.
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