DARIEN – A social studies teacher at Middlesex Middle School was suspended today over a lesson that apparently put a positive spin on Hitler.
According to multiple sources, in a lesson on the Holocaust, the veteran teacher instructed students to draw a swastika in their notebooks, and showed the class a baby photo of Adolf Hitler and commented on his cute appearance. Students were also asked to write a paragraph listing reasons as to why Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, may have been good for Germany.
Some of the 7th graders, including a Jewish student, were reportedly visibly upset by the assignment. Parents afterward complained to school administrators about the inappropriateness of the lesson.
The families of all 7th graders on the school’s Blue team received an email notification this morning from the principal, Karolyn Dahlstrom, informing them of “some concerns shared with MMS administration about a Holocaust lesson.” The email further informed parents that the school takes the concerns very seriously and were fully reviewing them.
Parents were asked to reach out with any questions or concerns about their “child’s experience regarding the lesson.” The administration also offered support services with a school counselor or other trusted adult to any child “should they wish to process this.”
Families were notified that another 7th grade social studies teacher at the school will be filling in for the suspended teacher.