At the request of Chinese American parents at the Blackwell Elementary School in LWSD, we submitted the request for a formal investigation today. Below is the letter sent to Director Ortega:
Dear Director Ortega,
As I mentioned in my letter to Mrs. Nicholson last night, we are requesting a formal investigation into the Blackwell Elementary Chinese New Year incident.
Background:
Upset Chinese parents contacted us, and sought our help in resolving the Chinese New Year incident at Blackwell Elementary School. According to the parents, Mrs. Carol Nicholson, a much loved first grade teacher, was forced to issue an apology letter for wearing a Chinese gown during Chinese New Year. According to the letter, In the letter, Mrs. Nicholson was made to say that she offended Chinese American culture by wearing the Chinese gown, which was gifted to her by a former student’s family. The irony is that the Chinese American community at the Blackwell actually welcomed Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition and cultural appreciation. The Chinese American parents at the school only found out about this incident AFTER the apology letter was issued. And they have been trying to advocate on Mrs. Nicholson’s behalf, but they have hit the stonewall from the school and district. Their questions remain unanswered. The school and district’s only answer is to label Mrs. Nicholson’s cultural recognition gesture as “culture appropriation”.Request for investigation:
We’d like the school and school district to thoroughly investigate this incident and provide answers to the following questions:1) Who and what triggered the action to label Mrs. Nicholson’s action of honoring and recognizing Chinese American culture during Chinese New Year as “culture appropriation”?
2) Who and what parties were involved in the decision process?
3) Who did the school and school district consult with?
4) Did the school and the school district communicated/ consulted with the Chinese American community? If so, what was the reaction?
5) Who wrote the apology letter? Was Mrs. Nicholson threatened with losing her job if she did not issue the letter?
6) On what ground is this labeled as “culture appropriation”? What is the school district’s definition and policy? Please show us the actual document.
7) What did the school and the school district do to recognize Chinese American culture during the Chinese New Year?
As the receivers of Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition, Chinese American parents apparently do not feel her action was offensive. It is the school and school district’s decision that offended the Chinese American community. The school and school district’s decision sent a chilling message to everyone who celebrates and recognizes Chinese American culture – they may be punished for showing their recognition in the open. Being inclusive starts with understanding each and every culture. Chinese American culture welcomes people to wear their traditional dresses during Chinese New Year, regardless of race or background. The school and school district should learn to accept it.
Copying ACE Foundation as they expressed interest in joining this investigation request.Regards,
WA Asians For Equality
Update:
Culture Appreciation vs. Culture Appropriation
According to the comparison on the University of British Columbia’s website , Mrs. Nicholson’s decision to wear a Chinese gown gifted to her by a former student’s family during Chinese New Year, falls under the Cultural Appreciation category, NOT Cultural Appropriation.
Cultural Appreciation is appreciating another culture in an effort to broaden their perspective and connect with others cross-culturally, while cultural appropriation is taking one aspect of a culture that is not their own, such as culturally distinct items, aesthetics, or spiritual practices, and mimics it — without consent, permission, or any cultural context or relationship to that item or practice — solely for personal interest, make money, gain popularity, or because they like the way it looks.
The primary difference is that of consent or permission to share in a cultural exchange. For example, appreciating and sharing the culture being celebrated by wearing culturally appropriate clothing at a celebrated event — as opposed to appropriation, such as going to a music festival wearing a costume the imitates a culture that is solely intended to get attention or likes on social media.
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I am happy Mrs. Nicholson wears Chinese traditional dress and support her. Please investigate!
We, as chinese are happy to see our teacher wearing chinese gown on Chinese new year, which shows respect to our culture
I don’t feel the wearing of the Chinese gown by non-Chinese is offensive to Chinese American culture, as Chinese culture is open to all people loving it.
As a Chinese, I don’t think that wearing Chinese gowns is culture appropriation. Instead, I appreciate Mrs. Nicholson celebrating Chinese New Year in this very Chinese way. As a parent of a Chinese American, I don’t think the school and school district treated Mrs. Nicholson correctly.
Wearing a Chinese gown shows appreciation of the Chinese culture. I don’t understand why such an act of appreciation by a teacher should be punished?! It is unbelievable! The school shows everyone that appreciation of Chinese culture by a teacher is wrong, and that a tracher should apologize for appreciating Chinese culture!
Mrs.Nicholson was my daughter’s teacher, one of the very BEST teacher we’ve ever had! Extremely SAD! I couldn’t see anything wrong Mrs Nicholson did in terms of wearing Chinese traditional dress during Chinese New Year. Please do full investigation.
I remember a few years ago ,there was a white girl who wore the Chinese traditional dress and was accused for the same reason. The whole social media in China supported that girl even the government social media. We should embrace all the culture and share. As a Chinese myself. I don’t feel like getting offended, instead. I felt the opposite way.
Diversity and inclusion is one of most incredible culture that United States have demonstrated in centuries and because of it lots of awesome people are immigrating to this land to continue to embrace this culture and chase for freedom.
School district is supposed to bring this culture to kids and teach them how to embrace diversity in community and show respect to different culture.
Surprised to see LWSD is not aligning on education principles and please deeply investigate why apologize letter is required just because of wearing Chinese traditional suites to celebrate Chinese New Year?!
I can’t believe this type of thing happens. Mrs. Nicholson did nothing wrong. On the contrary, we Chinese people should thank her for sharing the culture of China with other people. People who did this wanted to separate the Chinese and other races. We need to look into this; please don’t let this happen again.
Wearing Chinese gowns in Chinese New Year is a friendly gesture to our Chinese American family. We are not offended at all. Please investigate in the case. The current decision is not fair for Mrs. Nicholson.
This is absurd. Isn’t what Mrs. Nicholson did the best way to appreciate Chinese culture and make people aware it was Chinese New Year?
The teacher wearing Chinese gown during the Chinese New Year is a positive gesture of recognizing the Chinese tradition and celebrating the diverse culture of our community. As a Chinese living in the US, it warmed my heart and made me feel welcomed and included. On the contrary, the action of making the teacher apologize is sickening and beyond my understanding. It’s a shame that some people are twisting the fact and threatening the inclusiveness and the genuine kindness of human being.
The school is clearly confusing Cultural Appropriation with Cultural Appreciation. Is the complaint even from a Chinese parent?
Absolutely unbelievable. We appreciate the teacher wearing our Culture gown and recognize our culture. We are not offended at all. Where does cultural appropriation come from?
As a Chinese, I feel so warm that a teacher introduces Chinese traditional culture in class. It’s friendly that the teacher wear a Chinese gown on Lunar New Year. We welcome all to experience Chinese traditional cultures, especially wearing our traditional outfit. It’s not fair that other people present Chinese instead of ourselves. Please do full investigation in the case.
Who will think that wearing a traditional gown of culture is offending that culture? It is a ridiculous conclusion. Chinese American community is offended by the decision of asking Mrs. Carol Nicholson to apologize for wearing the gown. The Blackwell and the LWSD should apologize to her and the Chinese American community.
This is getting completely ridiculous, what’s wrong that a teacher wear chinese gown for Chinese New Year!
Are the school heads nuts?
In Chinese culture, we are always welcome our friends wearing Chinese gown or traditional clothes during Chinese New Year celebration. This is not offensive at all. The school decision definitely need further investigation.
A teacher wearing Chinese gown is showing cultrual appreciation, absolutely not appropriation. This sends a friendly message to show how much Chinese are welcomed in this community. Making the teacher apologize is sickening and doesn’t make any sense.
As an immigrant from China, I really appreciate that someone from other cultural background wearing traditional Chinese clothes came and celebrated Chinese New Year.
Such a wonderful gesture. We appreciate our incredible teacher celebrating the Chinese new year and presenting the diverse culture on this special day. We are a diverse society, US has demonstrated in centuries and because of it, lots of awesome people are immigrating to this land to continue to embrace this culture and chase for freedom.
Surprised to see LWSD is not aligning on education principles and please deeply investigate. Will teachers get warnings for wearing something green on St Patrick’s day? Certainly not, then why the apologized letter is required just because of wearing Chinese traditional suites to celebrate the Chinese New Year?! We are not willing to keep our kids in a discriminated SD.
I don’t see any problem to wear different national dress. In many tour places, foreign travelers bought local dresses, and took pictures in the new gown. Shall they say sorry to local people? I had seen people wearing different culture clothes in multicultural gala. They exchanged clothes, danced and laughed. What an exciting! In this world people love and care each other. I don’t accept Mrs. Carol Nicholson was asked to apology to anyone because she weared Chinese gown. Someone hates her, but definitely not a Chinese in USA, neither a Chinese in the whole world. I bet someone hates Chinese and wants to isolate Chinese by threatening people who are kind to Chinese, who are kind to all races, to all cultures. I feel sorry to hear this news. Please investigate and I will follow up the result! I stand by Mrs. Carol Nicholson, I stand by all people who are kind to this world. Stop Asian Hate!!
It’s dangerous to mislead the teachers and students that loving Chinese culture is wrong. Be careful!
The school and school district violated the teacher’s first amendment right. Period!
As a Chinese, I feel so warm that a teacher introduces Chinese traditional culture in class. It’s friendly that the teacher wear a Chinese gown on Lunar New Year. We welcome all to experience Chinese traditional cultures, especially wearing our traditional outfit. It’s not fair that other people present Chinese instead of ourselves. Please do full investigation in the case.
As long as the culture is presented in a respectful and positive way,I don’t believe it should be labeled “culture appropriation “.
Wearing a traditional gown shows Culture Appreciation, not Culture Appropriation! Why does a teacher need to apologize for wearing a Chinese gown on Lunar New Year? Please investigate!
I don’t get it!!! What is wrong with a teacher wearing a Chinese gown for Chinese New Year? I definitely appreciate for what she has done, we feel cared for and lnot offending our culture at all! Thank you Mrs. Nicholson!!!
This is a strange situation, as a Chinese resident, I do not feel offended in any form for anyone wear a Chinese transitional costume during spring festival. We need to know the detail of this incident.
As a Chinese, I prepared Chinese gowns for kids of other culture in my neighborhood at major Chinese occasions ( Spring festival and mid-autumn festival). I would be more than happy to see them wearing Chinese traditional gowns during these festivals. My kids also received gowns from other culture from my neighbors at their traditional festivals. We enjoy and embrace stuffs and festivals from other culture. Support Mrs.Nicholson with no doubt!
It’s ridiculous! I don’t think the teacher wearing the Chinese gown is showing cultural appropriation. On the contrary It shows the respect and cultural appreciation. Why did she must apologize? Please investigate.
I as a chinense american welcome anyone to wear Chinese traditional gown in celebration of chinese new year (lunar calendar year). we appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of welcoming chinese culture and tradition.
Have no word to describe how odd I think this situation is. How did you drive a conclusion that wearing a Chinese gown is offensive to Chinese community? I really appreciate Mrs. Nicholson embraced the Chinese culture and being so thoughtful in such a special day for Chinese Americas. Please investigate this incident by answering the questions brought up in this request.
Isn’t this just blatant racism? Many other places have their own traditional clothing! Just because people move to new places doesn’t take away their rights to dress the way they want.
+1. I as a chinense american welcome anyone to wear Chinese traditional gown in celebration of chinese new year (lunar calendar year). we appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of welcoming chinese culture and tradition.
As a teacher, it was the first time to hear such a thing happened and I was shocked.It’s ridiculous! I wearing the Chinese gown in my school.
Why did she must apologize?
If in my school all the stuff will appreciate for it.
I definitely appreciate for what she has done, we feel cared for and lnot offending our culture at all! Thank you Mrs. Nicholson!!
Wearing Chinese gowns in Chinese New Year is a friendly gesture to our Chinese American family. We are not offended at all. Please investigate in the case. Not fair for Mrs. Nicholson.
Wearing Chinese gowns in Chinese New Year is a friendly gesture to our Chinese American family. We are not offended at all. Please investigate in the case. We’re standing behind Mrs. Nicholson – she shouldn’t apologize!
This is absolutely ridiculous. Everyone has the right to wear clothes from other culture to celebrate others’ traditional holidays. This is a gesture of appreciation and inclusion that should be welcomed. When done by a teacher, it goes even further as it teaches young kids the importance of open mindness and love for diversity. It’s absolutely mind boggling that Mrs. Nicholson had to apologize for her kind gesture. I think she deserves an apology herself from school and more importantly deserves the freedom to spread the love and appreciation to other cultures!
It is a direct insult that the school took action against the teacher to “protect the discrimination against Asian community” without hearing the voices from the exact community they want to protect. We demand the school district hear our voices and give us an answer.
What is specific cultural appreciation rule to restrict teacher wearing Chinese gown? That teacher wore Chinese gown during the Chinese New Year celebration day. This is total positive thing to show how to embrace diversity in our community. There is nothing wrong. I can’t believe she should write an apology later because wearing Chinese gown. Please deeply investigate, waiting for school district give directly response these questions.
Feeling offended that the school determined it as “culture appropriation” before listening to the voices from the Chinese community and forced the teacher to apologize. In fact, we welcome anyone celebrate Chinese New Year with us. Please listen to our voice and investigate!
As a Chinese, I feel so warm that a teacher introduces Chinese traditional culture in class. It’s friendly that the teacher wear a Chinese gown on Lunar New Year. We welcome all to experience Chinese traditional cultures, especially wearing our traditional outfit. It’s not fair that other people present Chinese instead of ourselves. Please do full investigation in the case.
We support the teacher for wearing traditional Chinese outfit when celebrating Lunar new year. Making teacher apologize is really unacceptable, we demand school to disclose all the details about this decision.
I feel pathetic and disappointed that the school asked a teacher to apologize for her open-minded and the nice gesture to embrace culture diversity. How ridiculous! As a Chinese American I felt truly offended by what the school did to Mrs. Nicholson. Apparently the school as a place to educate kids you do not even have the basic knowledge of other cultures. What I want to clarify is that, first, our Chinese Community always welcome and appreciate anyone who respects our culture, we Never Ever feel offended by people who want to embrace Chinese traditions and culture; Second, as a parent from Blackwell I did not receive any notice about Mrs. Nicholson’s case, I don’t think you ask the parents’ opinion before you made the decision to let her to apologize, I felt insulting that the school without asking but to “represent” our Chinese community. Show your respect please. At last, I really want to say thank you to Mrs. Nicholson for her thoughtful gesture to embrace the diversity, she is such a respectable educator who is truly wants to teach her students to be open-minded and with a big heart. It is really unfair to punish a teacher who did a positive gesture. What the school did is a blatant racism. This will mislead the kids and threaten the teachers. Shame on you! I will follow up this case, and please give us a fair explanation!
As a Chinese American, I welcome others to wear our traditional clothes to celebrate Chinese New Year. Why Mrs Nicholson needs to apologize? Please apologize to Mrs Nickoson as she didn’t do anything offensive to Chinese Americans and cultures. Thank you.
I support and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition. Please investigate!
We 100% support Mrs. Nicolson.
I feel to be respected by what Ms. Nicholson did at Chinese New Year! I can not understand why she was labeled culture appropriation. Please investigate.
What’s wrong with wearing Chinese gown on Chinese New Year day? I’m a Chinese, that’s exactly what Chinese are going to do on Chinese New Year. The teacher was showing her respect to Chinese, so why school do this to her? Don’t stop letting people show respect to minority please!
We urge a full investigation with complete transparency.
Culture appreciation! Respect!
I feel offended that our Chinese community is “represented” by wrong opinion without being notified. We request an open and honest response from school.
This incident must be investigated! We love seeing teachers and other people to experience our culture and to celebrate the holiday wearing the gowns. We don’t understand why this is considered as culture appropriation. The school districts should investigate this and communicate with all parents and teachers in LWSD publicly about the investigation.
Mrs. Nicholson is one of the best teachers in Blackwell Elementary school. My son York learned and enjoyed a lot from her since he was a 1st grade student. He loves the school and studying partly due to Mrs. Nicholson. Her education ideas, experience and abilities should be understood and respected by everyone. Blackwell and school district should give Mrs. Nicholson honor and prize for her valuable and long-term hard work, instead of punishment.
As for the person who complained Mrs. Nicholson to wear a Chinese gown during Chinese new year, maybe he/she was jealous that he/she couldn’t get a same beautiful Chinese gown. He/she should know that Mrs. Nicholson has many different clothes and caps, which are from different cultures and stories, and she wears them to welcome students every morning. it is one of her special ways to make her students excited and love the school.
100% support and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition.
I can’t believe this happened in the US at present time! Is the US still an open society that values diversity and each individual’s freedom? What is wrong with Mrs. Nicholson? The school and school district should explain!!
I saw Mrs. Nicholson greeting students during Lunar New Year by wearing Chinese costume at Blackwell and felt very proud to have school faculties who let kiddoes experience other nation’s celebration and value their tradition.
The students could benefit a lot from it, such as learning different culture, expanding their horizons and being open-minded. The teacher’s behavior was encouraging and educational. Nobody would be offended by this friendly gesture.
Blackwell is a diversified school, so I would like to let my kids learn any culture and value all with fully respect and acceptance.
Whoever decided that people outside Chinese culture wearing Chinese outfit was “culture appropriation” doesn’t understand Chinese culture, nor has a growth mindset. Such person should not be put in a position of power to punish others with good intentions like Ms. Carol Nicholson
Asian community would like to welcome others with a different culture showing their interest in the Asian or Chinese culture, including, without limitation to, apparals, language, history, etc. as long as there is no explicit deformation.
Asian communities are open and friendly. We will not be narrow-minded to preempt the culture. At least, I believe the Chinese culture is growing. In the past 2000 years, many “other” groups joined Chinese community when the culture was voluntarily accepted.
I feel zero offensive for Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture, Conversely it’s a respect and culture appreciation. We are happy to embrace a more friendly and culture diversified community. We don’t see any necessary Mrs. Nicholson to apologize for that.
This is ridiculous! Does it mean that only Chinese can eat Chinese food? Only Italian can eat Pizza?
My son was a 1st grade student in Blackwell last year. Both my husband and I were originally from China and received our Ph.D. degrees in California. We, just like most Chinese families in this community, admire the beauty of Chinese gowns and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition.
Regarding Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition, Chinese American parents apparently do not feel her action was offensive at all. Instead we appreciate her open mind very much. USA is an immigrant country and used to be very open to any diversified cultures. Labeling a open mind teacher with wrong labels is not only hurting the teacher, but also hurting the community. Someone needs to apologize to Mrs. Nicholson in public. LWSD needs to show your open mind and justice to this innocent teacher.
If anyone should know a little bit about the Chinese culture, they would know such gestures will only be greeted with joy by the Chinese people as we believe the more the merrier, the more celebration the better; and we would never require anyone to check the Chinese heritage box before they can join us for the celebration in any form. The ground of the accusation of Cultural Appropriation is false.
The educators and leaders charged with the responsibility of promoting diversity and inclusion should especially recognize the importance of understanding diverse cultures before jumping into any harmful conclusions that will turn out to be counterproductive to the DEI goals.
I support and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition. Please investigate!
As a country embracing culture diversity, this type of incident is going against the value we believe. Support the teacher to show appreciation of another culture, and demonstrate the value we believe in.
Chinese culture is open and inclusive, I can not believe that someone complaint at this teacher by wearing a Chinese dressing during the lunar new year celebration. I need more clarification why the teacher should apologize for “culture appropriation”.
This is just the way Mrs. Nicholson’s show her respect to minority. It is happen she pick up the Chinese tradition dress.What you expect she wear? It is better than other teachers who wear normal dress on that day. It is way too much of an apologize. We (and she ) has freedom to select the dress we like. This is a freedom country. Isn’t it?
I support and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition. I didn’t feel any offensive, and I think it’s a very nice and friendly gesture.Please investigate!
As a Chinese American parents, I never feel offensive if someone wears Chinese traditional dresses to celebrate the Chinese holiday. Actually I will be super happy on that. I do feel upset and confused on the decision of the school. Please do investigation!
I support everyone who loves Chinese culture. The school and LWSD definitely did an offensive decision to our Chinese Americans community. We’re hurt deeply and must do the investigation until the truth comes out.
Chinese American parents apparently do not feel that Mrs. Nicholson wearing Chinese gown during Chinese New Year action was offensive at all. Instead we appreciate her open mind very much.
I support and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition.
As for me, I’m so glad and appreciated that Ms Nicholson wear Chinese traditional clothes. I’m so glad that if someone told me that she/he likes Chinese clothes. Everyone are welcome to wear Chinese traditional clothes. I also like some other nation’s clothes. I wish I won’t be requested to apologize for my wearing other nation’s clothes. If that’s the case. What about Halloween party? We can’t wear costume on Halloween?
I don’t think it’s an offensive behavior for Asian culture. As an Asian parent, I am happy to see this respect. Please stop this unnecessary persecution!!
As a former Blackwell parent and a member of Chinese community, I greatly appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of recognizing our culture as well as her passion and dedication in educating our children. I was upset and offended knowing that she had to apologize for her choice of wearing a Chinese gown during Luna New Year. In our culture, we always love to see people from other culture willing to share our tradition and food. Mrs. Nicholson’s “Culture Appreciation” being labeled as “Culture Appropriation” instead does more damage to the Chinese American community than good. Please investigate and make effort to reverse the negative impact.
As a Blackwell parent and a member of Chinese community, I never feel offensive if someone wears Chinese traditional dresses to celebrate the Chinese holiday.
I support and appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s gesture of cultural recognition.I do feel upset and confused on the decision of the school. Please stop this unnecessary persecution!!
As long as the culture is presented in a respectful and positive way,I don’t think it should be labeled as “culture appropriation “. Wearing a Chinese dress during Chinese Lunar New Year is a culture appreciation. As a Chinese American, I appreciate it. I support Mrs Nicholson. She should not make any apology for this. I think the Blackwell and LWSD owe Mrs Nicholson an apology for labeling this as “Culture Appropriation.”
I’m absolutely disgusted learning what Mrs Nicholson had to go through. Look’s like someone got cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation all mixed up. Is she/he also confusing cocaine with caffeine? I’d expect better from a school official in handling this sort of matter.
We appreciate Mrs. Nicholson loves Chinese gown and culture.
If a male teacher wore a lady’s dress to school one day, will he be required to apologize because of the “gender appropriation”? Why is “freedom” different from “freedom”? Why “inclusive” different from “inclusive”?
I’m so shocked to hear this ridiculous decision made by school district and feel so sorry to Mrs. Nicholson who opens to different culture. We respect human rights and freedom in US, but restricted a person who wear clothing on his/her own choice. This is totally contradictory and human rights violations. LWSD should apologize to Mrs. Nicholson for for this racist decision and apologize to all Chinese American society as well.
My family and I support and appreciate that Ms. Nicholson worn Chinese traditional clothes. I think the accusation of “culture appropriation” to Ms. Nicholson is unfair and insane. I’m disappointed that school and district’s attitude and decision. I hope both school and lwsd need to apology to Ms. Nicholson. Also, both school and lwsd should reshape your minds on how to celebrate and appreciate different cultures.
I feel great to hear that a teacher wear Chinese traditional clothes to show our culture to those lovely kid. It’s unbelievable that Mrs Nicholson need to apologize for wearing Chinese traditional clothes. How ridiculous it’s! It definitely need to do investigation about why did it happen!
As a Chinese, I am offended by the ridiculous way that LWSD treated Mrs. Nicholson. If wearing a Chinese gown during Chinese New Year is a culture appropriation, please don’t sell Chinese food in America.
This doesn’t make sense at all. We urge a full investigation with complete transparency. We love to see a white teacher wears Chinese gown. I really appreciate that Mrs Nicholson did it during Lunar New Year.
Should a teacher wear any gown bearing symbols from any culture on any celebrations? Has it happened before? Should it be banned at all? Has it been written into any code of ethics? If not, why a teacher wearing traditional Chinese gown on Lunar New Year celebration be punished ( given Chinese account for most population that celebrate this holiday?) Why?!
What a double standard! As a former parent from this school, I have witnessed teachers/staff wearing costumes or cultural outfits on many occasions. No one was in trouble for celebrating other holidays. Why a simple gesture embracing Chinese culture got picked on?
The principal wore a turban, as a White male, in the yearbook seen by many more people and immortalized for all children, and that was not cultural appropriation? They are the same thing. His action is in fact worse because it was not for teaching purposes in a class but for a photo op.
This is absolutely ridiculous!!! My family and I fully welcome and support what Mrs Nicholson did about Chinese New Year! And we demand the school an appropriate action to Mrs Nicholson for the racism act!
If the “ culture appropriation” accusation to Mrs Nicholson could stand its ground, no one but Christians should celebrate Christmas!
If the “ culture appropriation” accusation to Mrs Nicholson could stand its ground, no one but blacks should support BLM!
If the “ culture appropriation” accusation to Mrs Nicholson could stand its ground, no one but Italians should have pizza!
If the “ culture appropriation” accusation to Mrs Nicholson could stand its ground, no one but British people should speak English!
The list goes a lot more If the “ culture appropriation” accusation to Mrs Nicholson could stand its ground!
I think it is a good behavior to wear Tang suits during Chinese New Year because as an immigrant country, cultural integration and mutual understanding are very important things. We can learn Chinese traditional culture, Indian traditional culture, and any other country’s culture, which is in line with the school’s purpose of imparting knowledge. It also gives the children a chance to learn more about different cultures. Asking for an apology from a teacher just because he is wearing a Tang suit is disrespect to the teacher and disrespect to the culture of the free world in the United States.
This punishment not only hurts Mrs. Nicholson, but also hurts the feeling of American Asian. Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Asia. It’s pretty common to wear traditional clothes and I appreciate Mrs. Nicholson’s friendly action. Punishing Mrs. Nicholson is a banning of diverse culture, which makes American Asian feeling excluded.
We actually appreciate what Mrs. Nicholson did on her efforts in her teaching for inclusiveness of other cultures under the big American cultures family. Really don’t understand why this would trigger the letter. Please investigate the issue.
I’m very concerned by the school’s handling of this issue. I support a thorough investigation of the incident so that we can avoid such issue from happening again. Ms. Nicholson’s way of celebrating Chinese New Year should be appreciated instead of punished.
Why Mrs. Nicholson need to apologize for wearing Chinese traditional clothes??? It is ridiculous that Blackwell and LWSD labeling this as “Culture Appropriation” and let her apologize for that !
I support Ms. Nicholson!
I don’t understand why Mrs. Nicholson need to apologize for wearing Chinese traditional clothes? As a Chinese parent, I am so grateful and thankful for Mrs. Nicholson’s CULTURAL APPRECIATION activity in class. I think whoever twisted Mrs. Nicholson’s intention and wanted to prohibit such activity is suspected of discriminating Chinese people.
When first hearing the news, I was shocked that Ms. Nicholson had to apologize for wearing a Chinese outfit on Chinese New Year! That’s ridiculous! Instead, as a Chinese, I felt happy that Chinese culture is being recognized and we’re being respected. We should respect all kinds of cultures.
I really have no idea why Ms. Nicholson being punished.
So we require Blackwell and LESS investigate this incident thoroughly!!!
Every people’s life matters, everyone’s behavior matters and every race’s culture matters.
This is so racial discrimination， America is a multinational country, welcome people from all other countries, school celebrate different festivals. Why can’t were the Chinese dress to celebrate Chinese New Year. We need apologize and apologize to the teacher .
As a member of Chinese American community, I am totally offended that a teacher being forced to apologize for wearing Chinese gown during a festival celebrated by Chinese American community. I completely support a formal investigation into this incident!
Cannot dress Chinese gown… … can she eat Chinese food under same consideration (Culture Appropriation)?
Yes? It’s Chinese same like dress as part of Chinese culture. or only eat in private location….
No? It’s your standard. it will apply Mecican food? or even pizza?
On top of that, by your standard. what dress teacher can do? are they going to Culture Appropriate, for European culture? so Teacher can only dress like American Indian? that is true, original American curltrue…
This is all about anti-Asian. Should I apologize for wearing a Christmas sweater as a Asian? Of course not. There’s nothing wrong with being festive. I love my ugly Christmas sweater and have the right to decide what I wear. Then what’s wrong with a white teacher wearing a Chinese gown? Shouldn’t a teacher have the right to decide what she wears? If the teacher had worn an African gown, she would’ve be applauded. This is all about anti-Asian
This is culture discrimination, period. I want to ask the LWSD why they think they have the right to dictate their employees wearing or not wearing certain culture related clothing.
Am I prohibited from wearing my Christmas sweater because I’m not white? Every one has the right to choose what He or she wears. What’s wrong with being festive? If the teacher had worn an African gown, she would’ve been applauded.
OMG! I, as a Chinese American, am very happy to see a teacher wearing Chinese tranditional clothes during Chinese holidays! This is so welcomed!
To that “someone” who though this was offending Chinese communities: have you ever talked to a Chinese before???
As a Chinese, I welcome anyone not Chinese to wear traditional Chinese clothing for celebrating Chinese New Year/ lunar new year with good intentions. It is not offensive, but actually supporting Chinese Heritage. Whoever criticizing this is narrow minded and should be questioned for their real intentions.
“Simply, one [cultural appreciation] requires permission (i.e cultural exchange) and the other [cultural appropriation] is without,” (https://sites.austincc.edu/accent/cultural-appreciation-vs-cultural-appropriation-why-it-matters/). The gown was gifted to Mrs. Nicholson by a former student’s family. Guess which definition that falls under.
As a common knowledge, trying different foods or clothing from a different culture is the easiest way to embrace and appreciate a different culture. That’s why we all smile when we see pictures of APEC leaders wearing host country traditional outfit. However, why a beloved teacher trying to show young kids how to appreciate and celebrate a different culture by doing the same thing – wearing a Chinese gawn was labeled “Culture Approciation” and forced to apologize in written language! This is beyond ridiculous, especially school and district made this decision without soliciting opinions from our local Chinese American community. I, as a LWSD parent, request school district to give formal explaination on how this apology decision made based on what code of conduct, what complaints and from who.
School district is supposed to bring this culture to kids and teach them how to embrace diversity in community and show respect to different culture.
it is shocked to hear this.
This is definitely culture discrimination, LWSD should investigate and explain why this is happening
I cannot believe such things can happen. If this true, then what the school and the school district did was disgusting. They fabricated charges to prevent people from appreciating other people’s culture and becoming friends with others, so that they can fulfill their dirty agenda. It’s a shame that such people control the school district. They’re trying to divide our kids and split America.
We love and support the teacher. She did nothing wrong. The school forcing her to write the apology letter was wrong and unacceptable. Please correct and apologize to her instead.
As a part of Chinese American community, I am proud and happy that Mrs. Carol Nicholson wearing Chinese Gown during Chinese New Year. Carol’s culture recognition made me and my family felt heartwarming, especially during the difficult time where Asian-hate happens frequently. The apology letter is doing the opposite. It sent a wrong signal to the society. It punishes people who like Chinese or Asian culture and I am afraid it would promote Asian hate.
Please investigate this incident and correct the mistake. Please stop the action that might promote Asian hate. Please honor Mrs Carol Nicholson’s culture recognition rather than the opposite.
Thanks,
Bingxiong Lin
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I strongly require that Blackwell and LWSD correct the mistake, withdraw the complaint against Mrs. Nicholson ASAP. Instead, Blackwell and LWSD should praise her innovation in rich educational means, so that Mrs. Nicholson can continue to wear cheongsam or other clothes and hats to greet her students according to her own education ideas in the future.
Mrs. Nicholson has very high reputation in Timberland Community. Today I found 114 comments here and all comments support Mrs. Nicholson. It is really unusual. Actually, Every her students and their parents, no matter they are white, chinese, korean, or indian,etc., all respect and love her. Any parent,whose kids are in kindlergarden in Blackwell, will hope that their kids can enter Mrs. Nicholson’s class later. If your kid enters Mrs. Nicholson’s class, the other parents,whose kids didn’t, will congrate to you or simply tell you they are jealous. Why? Just because almost all people in Timberland Community know that Mrs. Nicholson is the best 1st grade teacher in Blackwell. The parents know that Mrs. Nicholson will certainly bring their kids more happiness, knowledge, self-confidence, better character.
Mrs. Nicholson was well-educated. She has extremly rich education experience and unique eduction ways. She is very likely more intelligent than most of us. She has her own ways to grasp the kids’ eyes and guide her students, begin with loving her,books and the class, then love studying and Blackwell school, at last, they will love the society and the world. She has many different clothes and hats, which are from different cultures and different storybooks. Greeting her students with special clothes and hats is one of her ways to let kids happy and love school. If say eduction is that one person light up another person, then Mrs. Nicholson is using her passion to light up another kid’s passion to love. Mrs. Nicholson’s eduction way and style is a part of her personality and wisdom.
I am lucky that my son York was in Mrs. Nicholson’s class in 2016. When York entered the class, he almost can not speak in English. In 2016, seven children were admitted to the whole quest class at the same time, including my son York, and they were all members of Mrs. Nicholson’s math interest group. She also organized several drama performances, in which every child in class participated and invited parents to watch. Mrs. Nicholson also recorded a video for each child and said something sweet to his parents in the video. All the shows were big successful. Her working time and effort are far more than ordinary teachers. Many school teachers are just for a salary. Mrs. Nicholson really loves children and has kind of religious dedication.
Whole Timerland Community love Mrs. Nicholson. It is also an honor of Blacewell Elementary School to have so high-reputation teacher like Mrs. Nicholson.
Her educational methods are greatly helpful to broaden every child’s horizons, enhance children’s interest in learning and promote classmate friendship. She should continue her own methods. All parents, whether Chinese, white, Indian or Korean, Blackwell and LWSD should not interfere with her, but should respect, support and protect her. because, “ALL FOR KIDS”.
LWSD leadership should resign.
They demonstrated ignorance of the basic principles in education and poor judgement over simple decision like this. Step down please. They are leading the district to the wrong direction. I have zero confidence over their leadership.
It’s such a shocking news to learn. I appreciate Ms. Nicholson’s open mind and initiative to celebrate a culture during an appropriate time with the class. She demonstrated inclusiveness and foster a global mindset with her students to appreciate each others’ difference and celebrate such difference.
I don’t understand why the school made such a blunt decision without even consulting with the Chinese community first. We asked our children to be inclusive and teachers and staffs to be mindful of other culture. I don’t such mindset at all from the school or the district itself.
I am requesting a full investigation and full transparency of how decision was made and how to prevent the school from making such systematic discrimination again.
As an immigrant from China, I don’t think this teacher’s action has been in any way disrespect my culture. On the other hand, I found LWSD’s haste reaction labeling her as improper is extremely disturbing. What message is the district trying convey by putting on racist labels to an action of appreciation without even trying to understand what really has happened and what the ethnic people think? LWSD’s decision was very racist.
I am of Chinese descent. I am appalled by the incident. A simple act of appreciation was turned into an unnecessary drama. There was never been a point in my life, that anyone from my community painted a negative picture of someone of non-Chinese background wearing Chinese traditional dress. Ms. Nicholson did the right thing, she shared with her students the celebration of one of the most important days for the Chinese community. LWSD, you owe Ms. Nicholson an apology.
Since LWSD and Blackwell Elementary are not cooperating with the requests, perhaps it is time to get local news stations involved. There are so many Asian reporters that would be very helpful to report this incident and get this on the news to help drive awareness.
Mrs. Nicholson is a wonderful teacher who embraces all cultures. She does not dress up to entertain – she dresses to teach and educate. In comparison I find that way different from dressing up in Polynesian attire by the staff & principal for an end of the year luau. I would like a full investigation & also a public apology to Mrs. Nicholson & the Chinese community from both the school & the district.