Why Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” was pulled at TUSD

by David Safier

All Mexican-American Studies courses have been suspended, and a number of books have been "cleared from all classrooms, boxed up and sent to the Textbook Depository for storage,” according to Cara Rene, TUSD's spokesperson. Among the banned books is Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

The Journal of Educational Controversy Blog (this is the first I've heard of it) discussed the issue and published a few letters from Curtis Acosta, one of the no-longer-MAS teachers. He explains what the teachers have been told, and why "The Tempest" is considered too controversial to be used in the classroom.

In sum, we have been told that we cannot teach any race, ethnic or oppression themed lessons or units. However, there has been no specific guidance and since our pedagogy is also deemed "illegal" than we are not sure HOW to teach either. I asked if I could start teaching Shakespeare's The Tempest and was told no, due to the themes that are present and the likelihood of avoiding discussions of colonization, enslavement, and racism were remote.

I wonder, has "Merchant of Venice" been removed from the TUSD reading list as well? I don't know how you can avoid discussing anti-semitism, which could lead to discussions of oppression and discrimination which has happened EVEN IN THE UNITED STATES! I can see how that could breed resentment.

Is "To Kill a Mockingbird" next on the list?