Bill Cosby Stars in Brooklyn High School Teacher’s Panned Comedy Lesson
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Brooklyn Technical High School recently held a "social and emotional learning day" where students and teachers had the opportunity to engage in unconventional lessons. One chemistry teacher offered a Zoom class on a "classic comedy" focus—Bill Cosby. However, some parents were outraged when they discovered the content of the lesson hours later. They were particularly concerned that Cosby’s status as a convicted sex offender was not addressed during the session.
One parent vented their frustration on the Brooklyn Tech Parents Facebook group, stating that their child was unaware of Cosby’s criminal history. Janessa Wilson, a parent whose child attends the school but did not participate in the class, was so upset that she contacted the assistant principal for Parent and Student Engagement, Kelly Nottingham. Wilson expressed her deep disappointment in the school’s notion of "social and emotional learning" and demanded an explanation for what she considered a moral failure on the part of the administration.
Nottingham dismissed Wilson’s inquiries and recommended that she communicate directly with Daniel Harkavy, the teacher who organized the class. Nottingham responded firmly when Wilson persisted, stating that she does not tolerate such communication and urging her to seek clarification from Harkavy instead.
Katie O’Hanlon, a Department of Education spokesperson, responded to the incident by declaring the Cosby class a "clear lapse of judgement" and admitting that it should never have been offered. O’Hanlon confirmed that the principal would meet with Harkavy, and the incident would be documented in the teacher’s file.
Harkavy, who has been teaching at Brooklyn Tech for 18 years, defended the class, emphasizing its voluntary nature. He claimed that he acknowledged Cosby’s reprehensible actions at the beginning of the session, but believed his comedic work to remain separate from his personal life. According to Harkavy, 34 students voluntarily signed up for the class, indicating their interest in Cosby’s comedy despite his character flaws.
The "social and emotional learning day" is typically intended as a way for teachers to explore non-academic topics that can uplift and engage students. Another teacher at Brooklyn Tech organized a Zoom session centered around the popular TV show "The Office," where students watched appropriate scenes to lighten the mood. However, the Cosby class raised questions about whether it is possible to separate an artist’s work from their personal actions. Some academics highlighted the importance of considering the feelings of Cosby’s sexual assault victims when exploring his comedy. The ongoing debate raises the issue of whether it’s possible to appreciate an artist’s work while also acknowledging their problematic behavior.
This incident serves as a teachable moment for educators and students alike. David Bloomfield, a professor of education leadership, law, and policy, points out that art now comes with an added layer of complexity due to revelations about an artist’s personal life. The question arises: Can we still appreciate art without being influenced by the artist’s actions?
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