Politics & Government

Was D86 Right in Keeping Controversial Movies in Classroom?

Patch asked the question, and the eight District 86 Board of Education candidates provided their answers.

In its 2013 candidate questionnaire, Patch asked the eight candidates for Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education the following questions:

Do you support the district’s ruling in favor of Hinsdale South staff on Victor Casini’s curriculum objection last year of the showing of American Beauty and Brokeback Mountain? Do such movies have a place in high school classrooms?

Here, in alphabetical order, are the candidates' responses:

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Dennis Brennan: "The board acted correctly and courageously in supporting parental control of the curriculum. Mr. Casini and his running mates sought to substitute their judgment for the parents of each and every student in this elective class. As board members, we should not be interfering with a parent’s decision. In this case, every parent, including Mr. Casini signed a parental consent form for the movies. Every parent had the right to withdraw their son or daughter if they found it objectionable. It is unfortunate that some people, with the support of outside organizations, have chosen to make this an issue."

Victor Casini: "I think that District 86 could have chosen other films that are more consistent with an esteemed learning institution."

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Edward Corcoran: "Whenever there are contentious issues, I believe more in-depth collaboration to bring a deeper understanding and consensus is needed for matters of importance to the community. The school board is ultimately responsible for approving curriculum and should adjust that as needed. As a school district, we must listen closely and be sensitive on any matters near to or encroaching on moral boundaries of families." 

Kay Gallo: "Yes, I supported and still support the administration’s decision to allow the elective class, Film As Lit, to show R rated films with parent’s written approval. Mr. Casini has the right to withhold his permission for his student in participating in classes and activities that are against his family’s values, as do all other parents. What I do not agree with was Mr. Casini’s request to deny other students from participation in the viewing or discussion of any movie/subject he believes is wrong. I am fearful that Mr. Skoda’s request to align the curriculum according to the Catholic Church (video 0f 09/24/2012 meeting at 3:05:00) will become a reality if 'Friends for District 86' are elected. As an elected official, we need to remember to separate church and state. Not all stakeholders are from a Christian based faith." 

DeeDee Gorgol: "I do support the administration’s decision to show R-rated films in the elective class, Film as Literature, with the parent’s written consent.  With an elective class such as this, it is any parent’s right to choose that the content of the elective class is not appropriate for their student but only their student.  They do not have the right to decide what is appropriate for others.  If any parent has an objection then they do not have to sign the consent or place their child in that class. The district’s staff is highly qualified to make curriculum choices and approval of such curriculum goes through many levels before it is approved."

Roger Kempa: "That decision has been made and is history. Not having participated in all that took place, my answer to the first question lacks all the actual facts on which the ruling was based. I am sure the same or similar controversy will occur again. At that time, I will provide an answer if needed based upon both my morality and ethics. I will be in a position to decide whether the next movie, video, book, etc., is right or wrong for instruction."

Claudia Manley: "The board is ultimately responsible for curriculum. The board majority chose not to decide this matter on the merits. In cases such as this, it is important that our board members are guided by the values that are reflected in our community, and that they be guided through a deeper understanding of these issues  and be able to reach consensus on an issue of such importance. I would like to have seen consideration of the Teaching About Controversial Issues Policy as well as allowing the parent involved to participate at the board level review."

Roseanne Rosenthal: "I support the district’s ruling regarding the showing of movies with objectionable content. I do not believe in censorship but I respect a parent’s right to approve their child’s participation.

"Many of our students will enroll in college humanities programs where similarly controversial material will be encountered.  Others may choose to enter fields where issues like these arise.  Others will choose to see the movies on their own or will encounter them in their own lives. A thoughtfully prepared high school class will help students discuss controversial issues maturely and honestly."


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