I saw a post for “Philly Teachers for Trump and initially just shook my head in dismay. Many of these teachers had classrooms full of students that identified as Black, Latinx, immigrant, Muslims, etc.
But, I became far more curious when my post about this group, drew attention from people who saw a familiar name and picture:
We have given this man money to lead professional development for our schools.
The man behind this group is allegedly Charles Paslay. Over the years, Charles Paslay made a killing leading writing professional development for Philly teachers who, of course, taught Black kids. Of course, I needed to look into this. So, I called him.
I connected with Dr Charles Paslay and inquired about this group. I get that, unfortunately, often things are murky at times and one may not agree with the politics, worldview, etc. of everyone who writes curriculum being used. However, I was a little taken aback at the backlash I received from my innocent query.
Charles Paslay proudly said that it was actually his son. He told me I was “a sad man” for not respecting his son’s free speech, which in this case has to be interpreted as his son’s right to support and organize anti-Blackness while teaching in a mostly Black district. I asked him was he also a part of the Philly Teachers for Trump and he hung up on me. Go figure.
This situation is not new to us. We have police, teachers, and other public anti-servants who earn a living on the backs of Black kids despite hating them and their roots.
Needless to say, principals, if you continue to purchase Paslay’s writing materials, you’re complicit in his and his son’s madness.
Principal El-Mekki,
I/We remain so appreciative of you informing us of occurrences like this with the Pasley duo and any others of the Dumpf mindset.
And, as you and I know, there are thousands of other School District of Philadelphia teachers, administrators, and staff who are rising out from under their rocks. Nothing new oaboout this other than their deep abiding, hatred of Black people surfacing on a few more fronts.
Perhaps what I heard when I worked for three years in Florida and North Carolina is becoming a truism: the Civil War of 1861-1865 was “half-time.”
I think the “second” half may be closer than we think.
Dear Sharif El-Mekki,
My name is Christopher Paslay, the host of “Philly Teachers For Trump.” I’ve written a letter which I’ve posted on my blog in response to your article above, which may clarify some issues for you. For the record, my father Dr. Charles Paslay is not associated with “Philly Teachers For Trump,” so if you’d like to comment further, please do so on my blog and respect my father’s privacy. Here is a link to my public response to your public criticism:
https://phillyteachersfortrump.home.blog/2019/08/24/letter-to-sharif-el-mekki-principal-of-mastery-charter-school-shoemaker-campus/
Thanks,
–Chris Paslay