
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 13, 1994                   TAG: 9405130120
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: TAVARES, FLA.                                LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOL BOARD TO KIDS: AMERICA ABOVE ALL

When they're done with their reading, writing and 'rithmetic, students in this central Florida county will learn a new lesson. They'll be taught that American culture is superior to all others.

The Lake County school board voted 3-2 to require teachers to add the cultural superiority concept to their lesson plans. The board did not specify what it meant by ``culture.''

``When I say `superior,' it means that America is a cut above the rest - even with the faults, failures and successes,'' said Pat Hart, the self-described conservative Christian school board chairwoman who came up with the idea. ``Our children need to be taught to appreciate our country's principles.''

Board members defended the policy as patriotic. Critics denounced it as intolerant, racist and possibly illegal, and no one seems sure how teachers should deliver the ``America First'' message.

``I'm having trouble getting people to tell me what they mean by American culture,'' said Tom Sanders, superintendent of the 22,526-student district. ``To me, what makes America great is that it is made up of many different cultures.''

Teachers have threatened a lawsuit. Florida's top education official said the policy violates a state law that requires schools to teach students to appreciate other cultures.

Lake County is a community of 150,000 people, many of them retirees. It's filled with mobile homes and lakes, and sits about 25 miles northwest of Orlando, the home of Disney World.

For two years, the five-person school board has been controlled by three conservative members who also have discussed creationism as a science and questioned the propriety of sex education in the schools.

The new policy was adopted Tuesday after the board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and listened to student musicians play ``It's a Grand Old Flag.''

Some critics objected to the word ``superior.''

``This policy is close to racism,'' said University of Central Florida associate professor Carl Balado, who teaches a cultural diversity course.

But conservatives praised the policy.

``We are thrilled a school board has had the courage to stand up for America - her great values and beliefs,'' said the Rev. Lou Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition.

``We certainly have a system that is superior. The word `superior' shouldn't create a hostile environment, it should inspire.''

by CNB