Part 5. Testimony presented to SVUSD Board of Education, May 13, 2014

May 13, 2014:  Testimony on the use of Michael Crichton's Timeline for 7th grade history instruction was presented to the SVUSD Board of Education's Regular Meeting.  The following is a transcript of Global Microscope's testimony:

Techno-Thriller Controversy Hits RSM Intermediate. Photo: Yelp

Thank you very much for the opportunity to address the board today...  I have two children in SVUSD schools.  One attends Robinson Elementary, and the other, RSM Intermediate.

I am here to address RSM Intermediate's 7th grade curriculum, and the literature used to support the education of honors history students. 

In the beginning of the current trimester, my son brought home a long list of books assigned for history instruction.  Choosing one, passing a test on it--and discussing it in class--was mandatory. 

Only two books on the list were marked "honors," however.  One was Michael Crichton's, Timeline. 

Vaguely familiar with Michael Crichton as the author of Jurassic Park, I consented when my son chose Timeline.   

I had no idea this meant he would soon be reading about a woman who trades sex for safe passage to a castle; about a professor locked in a cage and lowered into a stinking pit of effluence; about the humor of raping and executing a homosexual king.  I offer the following direct quote for illustration: 

"...Know you how your namesake, our late king, Edward the Foolish, met his end?  I see by your face that you do..."
Johnston nodded slowly.  "His screams could be heard for miles."
Kate looked questioningly to Marek, who whispered, "They're talking about Edward II of England.  He was imprisoned and killed.  His captors didn't want any sign of foul play, so they stuck a tube up his rectum and inserted a red-hot poker into his bowels until he died."
Kate shivered.
"He was also gay," Marek whispered, "so it was thought the manner of his execution demonstrated great wit." 

According to the California Department of Education's website, Timeline is recommended for a grade level span of 9-12.  Not 12 and 13 year old children.  The book's overview on the state website also includes the following warning: 

"This book was published for an adult readership and thus contains mature content.  Before handing the text to a child, educators and parents should read the book and know the child." 

I wish to formally request that the Superintendent look into the use of Michael Crichton's fictional novel, Timeline, for 7th grade history instruction.  I also request that the Superintendent's findings be reported back to the Board of Education. 

Every book assigned to a student at school is a learning experience.  This is not just how teachers convey academic information, but also how they teach our children to write and address assigned topics.  When assigning a work of violent, sexually explicit fiction to young students attempting to learn about real history, a tragic lesson is being taught. 

What would happen if my son wrote a similar, fictional essay about Sir Isaac Newton being tortured, sodomized and executed, and then turned it in to his science teacher as a research paper?  Just how fast would the Principal pull our child out of class and dial our phone number?  Or...perhaps he would dial the Sheriff's department instead.  Either way, I would certainly understand.  Thank you for your time.

*P.S.  To my fellow parents and guardians who came to the meeting, and all who have otherwise expressed support and encouragement:  

Thank You!

Author's Note:  

Check out Erin Johnson's articles on examiner.com!  Erin is a self-described O.C. native and mother of three children.  She writes about family-friendly topics from the triple perspectives of mom, MBA, and global traveler.  Click HERE to look her up.  Dashing the rights of parents might be one of her concerns, too.