What would Dewey do?

[teach1st]

I would like to sport a "Defeat Bush" type bumper sticker on my truck (I'm not quite ready for a pro-Kerry message, but I'm ABB and that doesn't include Ralphie).

As it happens, my classroom, a portable, is on the South forty of our school's grounds, and I can park my truck about ten feet away from the portable's front door, off an alley which is used by my students' parents for pick up and drop off. The truck is bright yellow and easy to spot, and, because I drive on our many field trips, the kids will know the truck is mine.

So, if I put the bumper sticker on the truck, the kids and their parents will know my political leanings. I pride myself on putting up an impartial front in the classroom as we learn about this country and think it's especially important to appear impartial this election year. I teach fifth grade - I don't think my impartiality would matter as much if I taught less impressionable, more independent older students.

What would you do in my situation? Bumper sticker or not?

[Droopy]

1. Go ahead and put it on there

Teachers have freedom of speech, too, last time I checked.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. Maybe choose one that makes them think a little.

I had to struggle with this issue as well. As much as I wanted to put "My bush is smarter than George W. Bush" on my car, I went with a more discreet magnet that I can take off, if I need to.

[DemBones DemBones]

3. Once again I'm glad I no longer teach

public school and no longer have to worry about such things!

Just make it subtle is all I'd say, or get a Kerry sticker because then you are FOR someone as opposed to being AGAINST someone and it's an easier position to defend, I think. Of course, if asked why, you say "Because George W. Bush has really messed up the economy and created a quagmire in Iraq and we desperately need new leadership. John Kerry realizes tha Americans need jobs and health insurance, not tax cuts for the richest people. ETC"