Michigan elementary school teacher refuses to show students presidential inauguration speech

Teacher at elementary school near Lansing won't show inauguration

Millions of people will be watching the presidential inauguration speech Friday, but a few dozen students at a Michigan elementary school will not, as their teacher is refusing to show it.

President-elect Donald Trump has made some controversial comments over the past year, but by Friday afternoon he'll be the 45th president of the United States.

The elementary school teacher said he refuses to let his students watch Trump speak due to his previous comments. It's a decision that has parents talking.

From Ronald Reagan to Bill Clinton to Barack Obama, the presidential inaugural events always capture the world's attention, including elementary school students.

Fourth graders at Explorer Elementary School in Williamston, just outside Lansing, will watch the parade, but when Trump speaks for the first time as president, one teacher will hit the off switch.

The teacher said he let his students watch the inaugural speeches of Presidents Barack Obama and George Bush, but in a letter to parents, he said he's anxious to show the inaugural address.

The letter reads, in part:

"I showed the speeches of Presidents Obama and Bush in 2009 and 2005, respectively, but I am anxious about showing Mr. Trump’s inaugural address given his past inflammatory and degrading comments about minorities, women and the disabled."

Parents who spoke about the issue at the auto show believe the teacher is blocking American history.

"Whether the teacher shows it or not, they're going to see it," a parent said.

You can read the superintendent's response to the teacher's decision here.

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About the Authors

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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