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Savannah School’s Living Wax Museum Event Faces Challenges

Students in a Savannah school reenact Black historical figures during the living wax museum event.

News Summary

The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools’ students recently brought history to life during a living wax museum event, focusing on significant Black figures. However, excitement is tempered by new federal directives that question the future of such educational practices without risking funding cuts. The community is now navigating how to maintain inclusivity while adhering to these directives that stem from a recent Supreme Court ruling impacting educational policies across the nation.

Savannah School’s Living Wax Museum Event Sparks Debate Over New Federal Directives

Savannah is buzzing with excitement as students in the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools dive deep into history, particularly focusing on historically significant Black figures. This past month has been dedicated to learning about influential icons, capped off with a captivating event at John W. Hubert Middle School known as the “living wax museum.”

During this engaging event, students morphed into the likenesses of renowned personalities, bringing their stories to life. Icons like NBA superstar LeBron James, soulful singer Sam Cooke, pioneering astronaut Mae Jemison, and local hero W.W. Law took center stage as students acted out their inspiring narratives. It was a joyful celebration of culture, creativity, and education, as families, teachers, and community members crowded the hallways to witness this unique form of storytelling.

However, not everything is smooth sailing. The fun and educational atmosphere at the living wax museum comes with a cloud of uncertainty due to a recently issued letter from the U.S. Department of Education. The letter, penned by Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, outlines new directives that raise questions about how schools, including K-12 institutions, will be able to continue certain educational practices without risking federal funding cuts.

On February 14, 2024, the letter directed that educational institutions must cease any “racial preferences” in various practices, or they may face repercussions regarding their federal funding. The implications of this directive are significant, as it mainly aims at higher education but casts a shadow over K-12 schools as well. It has thrown many school leaders into discussions about compliance and funding, causing quite a stir in educational circles.

The Broader Context

Trainor’s letter draws its power from the Supreme Court ruling in the case of “Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard,” a landmark decision that invalidated affirmative action policies citing discrimination against white and Asian applicants. With these recent shifts in policies, educators are grappling with how to uphold inclusive education while navigating the complexities of federal directives.

In Savannah, discussions are already taking shape among the Savannah-Chatham Board of Education about the potential impacts of these directives. It has been noted that the Savannah-Chatham School District stands to receive an estimated $17.7 million in Title I, Part A funding from July 2024 to September 2025. This funding is vital for numerous staff roles and programs across the district.

Amidst these talks, Superintendent Denise Watts cautioned that any loss of federal funds could be a significant blow to public education in Savannah and nationwide. Such a setback would threaten the educational opportunities provided to students, especially those who need it the most.

The Future of Education in Savannah

With uncertainty looming on the horizon, the Savannah-Chatham community remains hopeful. Schools like Hubert Middle continue to hold their living history events, which serve as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the contributions of Black figures in history. But with new directives echoing the Trump administration’s wishes to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the balance of educational practices continues to shift.

As discussions unfold, educators and administrators in Savannah are likely to place a strong emphasis on finding ways to prioritize federal funding while still being able to engage students in enriching experiences that celebrate diversity and history. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these federal policies will affect local education, and whether schools can continue to foster an inclusive atmosphere for all students. Stay tuned—Savannah’s educational journey is just beginning, and it promises to be anything but dull!