12 August 2016 (Alexandria, VA) - TESOL International Association joined the
American Federation of Teachers and 19 other organizations devoted to education, community, human, and civil rights in condemning a
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) program. Called
Don't Be a Puppet, the initiative is intended to educate teens and families about the dangers of violent extremism. In a letter to FBI Director James Comey, the organizations said that the program promotes bigotry, hatred, and racial profiling. These toxic elements threaten the ideals of inclusiveness and community in public schools and "will only exacerbate the bullying and profiling of Middle Eastern and Muslim students by creating a culture of animosity and distrust.” The co-signing organizations invite Director Comey to discuss the program with them in person.
Download the full text of the letter.