I know about Gulen Charter Schools
Paul Williams: – “Dear children, my name is Paul Williams. Because your teacher is sick, I will be here with you today. The administration of the school couldn’t find anyone to substitute her and I decided to fill the gap by instructing today’s class. I have to confess that it might be not a field of my expertise, but I assure you, I have a great deal of experience to improvise and talk about any topic, even if such is beyond my understanding… Ok, let us start. Can anyone help me by telling the subject of today’s class?”
Jim Aware: “We have been studying the educational system of the US and we have to study charter schools this week.”
Paul Williams: “Ouch! It is going to be tough! ” he thought to himself but after a short pause he addressed the class, “Oh, it is a piece of cake! I know about this type of schools… charters. Basically they are privately owned educational outlets to promote a certain ideology. In other words, they brainwash our children. They say that their goal is to provide a better education, but they fill children’s heads with poisonous and contagious ideas”
Kate Straightforward: “But, aren’t these schools - public schools? Our teacher taught us that they are supported and controlled by the government.”
Paul Williams: “Yes they are…” he mumbled, disappointed that he had to correct himself. “Moreover!” he added with the sudden inspiration in his voice, “It is even worse! Since they are public charter schools they must be using taxpayers’ money to do their work! We are paying our own money to help them to spoil our next generation, our future! For example, I know about Gulen Charter Schools. Fethullah Gulen is an Islamic preacher from Turkey. And he has established schools which are trying to promote a radical Islamic ideology! “
Justin Curious: “I have a question. Our teacher told us that charter schools are monitored by the government. Likewise the curriculum and books used in charter schools are approved and supervised by the representatives of the Department of Education. Additionally, charters schools operate under the state and federal laws and they are periodically monitored. Taking into account these facts, how can charter schools have classes where radical Islam is being taught? Who would give permission to operate such school?”
Paul Williams: “Well, I don’t know…”
Justin Curious: “And also” continued student, “You mentioned the Gulen Charter Schools. Do they have curriculum based on Islamic teaching? Do they teach his ideas? ”
Paul Williams: “No, they don’t…”
Justin Curious: “Do they identify themselves as Gulen Charter Schools?”
Paul Williams: “No, they don’t…”
Justin Curious: “Than how did you find them? And how do you identify them?”
Paul Williams: “Hmm… It wasn’t easy for me to find Gulen Charters Schools. Actually I couldn’t find any official institution which is named Gulen Charter School. But it didn’t stop me; I had to use some creativity and imagination to succeed.” And he proudly added “Remember children! Creativity and imagination are two tools that will give you desired outcome if only you try hard enough!” After he had enjoyed the moment when at the first time class seemed to be interested instead of being doubtful, he continued, “What I did is that I searched for a person who is somehow interested in ideas of Gulen and who is working at a charter school. And when I find one who meets those criteria, I can rightfully claim such institution as a Gulen Charter School.”
Jack Promiscuous: “Teacher, teacher!” screamed one of the students, “I guess I got it! So, in general… if we find somebody who is inspired by a certain idea or belief, we can claim that in institution where he works, in community where he lives, in the gym where he works out, and at the grocery where he buys products everyone is having the same inspiration, same belief and similar social identity.”
Paul Williams: “Yes, you are right…” he confirmed by default still digesting the information.
Jack Promiscuous: “To be more specific” the student continued by momentum of arrived ideas, “I read that a number of academics in many leading universities are supporting Gulen’s ideas. They are even hosting conferences, seminars and workshops! Stemming from your teachings we can name all of them Gulen Charter Universities! Or at least public ones… For private universities, we can call them simply Gulen Universities.”
Paul Williams: “Exactly...” the word silently soared of his chest full of satisfaction from what he just heard.
Paola Justice: “How can you say this?” asked a young girl sitting in the middle of the class, “In fact, one trait of a person can’t comprehensively describe his or her character, and more so it can’t represent a diverse community where he or she exists. It is not only inaccurate identification and misleading information, but also a discrimination!
Common Sense: “What is going on here?!” spoke a man who has appeared at the doorstep of the classroom.
Paul Williams: “Who are you? And why are you interrupting our class?
Jim Aware: “This is our President Mr. Common Sense.”
Common Sense: “I remember that I rejected your application for a substitute teacher position. I don’t tolerate unauthorized and unqualified teaching in these walls, and frankly I don’t think that any other school will. You can try out virtual classrooms, on the internet, where Mr. Sense has no administrative powers.”