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IN THE NEWS: Anti-Navajo Violence; Civil Rights Murder Case Re-Opened; A Strike in Detroit
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| Sept. 18, 2006 -- Tolerance-related headlines, with discussion questions and resources for classroom use |
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| by Camille Jackson |
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Feds Reviewing Cases of Violence Against Navajo Indians
Violence and racial tension in Farmington, New Mexico's Navajo community has resurfaced. In June, three white men attacked a Navajo man while shouting racial slurs, and a white police officer killed another Navajo man. Some argue the officer used excessive force. A protest/memorial earlier this month drew 1,000 marchers, and now the Navajo community is asking for federal intervention.
Resources:
Discussion:
- According to the "Attacks on Navajos Renew Calls For Federal Interventions" article, has the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found a pattern of racial discrimination against the Navajos before? What can the Commission do to make things better?
- What kinds of discrimination have the Navajo experienced historically? How do you think it has affected the community?
Why do they call Farmington, New Mexico, the "Selma, Alabama" of the West?
After reading "To Root Out Racism, First Look Within," can you think of ways the author can change her behavior? Why does the author say stereotypes are harmful?
Perry County DA Focuses on 1965 Civil Rights Slaying
The death of Jimmie Lee Jackson in 1965 helped spark the Civil Rights Movement in the South. Assistant prosecutor Michael Jackson (no relation) is investigating Jimmie Lee's death to bring closure in the community. He believes a former Alabama state trooper committed the crime. Jimmie Lee Jackson's case is the latest in a string of re-opened civil rights cases.
Resources:
Discussion:
- Why was Jimmie Lee Jackson killed?
- What major event in U.S. civil rights history followed the death of Jimmie Lee Jackson? Why was his death significant?
- Why has it taken so long to investigate his death?
- Do you know of other unsolved cases from the civil rights era that have not been investigated? Do you know of other cases that have been re-opened?
- Why do you think it's important for attorneys like Michael Jackson to achieve closure for the community?
Detroit Students Back in School After Teacher Strike
Last week, after a 16-day strike, Detroit public schools opened its doors for 130,000 students. The Detroit Public School system is struggling with a $105 million deficit and had proposed cutting teacher salaries. School was to begin on Sept. 5, but teachers walked off the job in late August over contract disputes.
Resources:
Discussion:
- Why would teachers delay the start of school over a contract dispute?
- Do strike actions usually work? Why?
- How do you think the Detroit Public School system handled the uprising? Do you think the resolution is fair to both parties? Why?
- When teachers strike, how do you think it affects students? The school system?
- What would you like to know about the labor history in your own town or community?
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