“Un-American, disrespectful” said Rosalie Weisfeld, parent of a McAllen school district student said of her reaction to the McAllen school district’s web notice of the district’s decision to record President Obama’s speech to American students on Tuesday.

The district’s reasons for not allowing students to listen to the speech in real time are posted on the MISD website.  One reason given is that the speech will be held during some lunch periods. A second reason is that a “lack of equipment makes it difficult to ensure that the message is heard simultaneously in all classrooms”.

“There is no good reason,” said Weisfeld. “I have three children that have attended various McAllen schools. Just about every classroom I have been in has a computer with internet connectivity. Many have television sets. Even if some of the students are in lunch televisions could be set up in the cafeterias for those that want to watch. Where there is a will there is a way.”

“If some parents are so un-American as to want to prohibit their children from being part of history by listening to the President’s speech than they should be given the opportunity to leave the room for the 10 minute speech.” said Weisfeld.

            “ Recording the speech to show at a latter date and time is just ridiculous. It will take a lot of time, energy, financial resources and extra work by the staff to make copies of the speech and organize assemblies or events to watch the speech. It will take about 10 minutes on Tuesday to listen and learn.” said Weisfeld.

The McAllen school district’s website says: “Therefore, the presentation will be recorded, with copies forwarded to each campus.  Each school will then be organizing before school and/or after school assemblies/events where the children can have the opportunity to hear the message if parents opt for them to be there for the presentation. Individual campuses will be letting their parents know when their campus presentations will take place.”

“The difference between listening to the President’s speech in your classroom instead of latter is that the kid’s will experience the speech together with their peers. They will be a part of history not learning about the speech as part of a history lesson after the fact.” said Weisfeld. “I encourage the McAllen school board members and school administrators to reverse their decision and show their President the dignity and respect he deserves by allowing students the opportunity to listen to his address .”

“I am a democrat who respects the elected offices of our nation. When my eldest son was a student at the South Texas ISD, Sci-Tech the then First Lady Barbara Bush was honored at the school library. As a parent, I attended the gathering with Mrs. Bush with pride that in her busy schedule she chose to spend time with my son, his classmates, their parents and the school staff." said Weisfeld.

“The McAllen school district officials are not honoring the office of the Presidency by disregarding President Obama’s request to speak to the students on Tuesday at 11 am and instead saying they will schedule it for a latter undetermined hour.” said Weisfeld.