HONOLULU (AP) — As parents help their children navigate remote classes during the coronavirus pandemic, they’re more aware of what's being taught. And they've complained that racist, sexist and other concerning content has appeared in an online learning program called Acellus that's used nationwide. Some districts are reconsidering or getting rid of it. In Hawaii, parents have called out lessons saying Europeans “discovered” the islands and Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is a “woman hater.” The founder of Acellus calls the controversy an “organized attack." Experts say the scramble to keep classes running during the pandemic means vetting online curriculum may not have been as thorough as it should have been.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
This photo provided by Adrienne Robillard shows her daughter, name withheld by parent, doing school work at a computer at home in Kailua, Hawaii, Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. Parents spotting questionable content on a program called Acellus is forcing some school districts across the country to reconsider the program or stop using it. (Adrienne Robillard via AP)
Posted at 8:18 AM, Oct 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-04 15:15:32-04
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