Suffolk County Republican Caucus: Statement on Politics in the Classroom at SCCC

https://www.facebook.com/100003946731157/videos/1926364067505132/

Suffolk County Legislature GOP Minority Leader Tom Cilmi said, "Speaking on behalf of the Republican Caucus of the Legislature, I am shocked and disgusted by a video making its way around social media in which a Suffolk County Community College professor is heard during a class this semester clearly and emphatically expressing a political opinion regarding President Trump and the upcoming election. In an obvious attempt to influence students’ minds, the professor can be heard saying that President Trump is 'ruining our country,' 'doing a crap job,' and trying to turn our country into a 'dictatorship.'

”No matter this teacher's personal beliefs, there can be no tolerance for such overt political persuasion in any classroom, much less one that is funded with taxpayer money.

”I have spoken with College officials and have been assured that this will not be tolerated nor excused and that this clear breach of professional ethics will be investigated and dealt with swiftly and seriously.

”We eagerly await the results of this investigation and call on the College to issue a memorandum reminding faculty and staff that personal politics has no place in the Suffolk County Community College classroom.”

Legislator Steve Flotteron said, “Teachers should not be influencing their students with their opinions, especially when it comes to politics.”

Legislator Anthony Piccirillo said, “Unfortunately, this type of rhetoric happens all too often inside college classrooms all across America. I am glad that the student took the initiative to record this for the world to see and hear.”

Legislator Rob Trotta said, “This type of personal rhetoric in a classroom is totally inappropriate, and is what helps divide us as a nation.”

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