We, parents of students in the Pickerington Local School District, strongly believe that political activism -- whether for left- or right-leaning causes or movements -- is wholly inappropriate in a school-day assembly that all students are required to attend.

Pickerington North High School's recent Black History Month assembly, mandatory for all students, featured a video showing a police shooting as well as calls for "social justice." What began as a celebration of African Americans' historic achievements and contributions quickly turned into a one-sided political rally. 

We believe politically charged programming like this is inappropriate in a public school setting and creates a hostile learning environment. If assemblies that promote political views are condoned by school and district leaders, we demand that other students be free to choose whether to attend.