President's speech stirs up parents

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Pres. Barack Obama's plans for a webcast speech to America's schoolchildren next Tuesday about the importance of education is stirring concerns among parents who fear what they call the "indoctrination" of Obama's political views.

It will be a speech specifically geared toward children all ages. The intended message is to stress the importance of education and stay in school. Some critics say Obama is overstepping the bounds of his position. Others consider it appropriate.

"I think it's a honor for our kids to be able to listen to him talk about that,” said Robbi Cooper, an AISD parent who supports the speech. “It's important."

The President's message is drawing heated debate by those who don't think his politics should be brought into the classroom.

"I have actually read the assignment that President Obama wants to do after the speech,” said Heather Liggett, a Lake Travis parent who is concerned about the speech been broadcast in her child’s school

Lake Travis parent Heather Liggett admits her political views are conservative, but when it comes to her children- her concern is the President's motive especially when she thinks back to last month's town hall meetings.

The debate is not only brewing about the President's speech, but the suggested lesson plan to follow on the White House website. It originally said students could 'write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president.' That was later changed to read students could 'write letters to themselves about how they can achieve their short term and long term education goals.

A Facebook page has also popped up, urging parents to call their kids in sick. Not everyone concerned about the speech feels staying home is the answer.

"You need to be in the school and you need to see what's happening and you need to be involved in the dialogue that might take place between the students and the teacher," said Liggett. "And if it tends to take a liberal bias - then challenge it."

Austin, Lake Travis, Round Rock, Eanes and Hayes County ISDs will allow teachers to decide if the speech fits in with the curriculum. Parents can request that their child opt out of the webcast, and students can request to be excused from the room.

Leander and Georgetown ISDs have decided not to show the web speech, saying it may be more disruptive than educational.