Friday, January 9th is the very first “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day”, which isn’t actually a holiday at all, but rather a political stunt sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police. That didn’t stop Aimee Williamson, wife of Bakersfield police chief, Greg Williamson, and principle of North Beardsley Elementary School from sending an email to teachers asking them to celebrate the fake holiday.
As a result of this email, first grade students were assigned by one teacher to write a letter to Bakersfield Police Department, thanking officers for “arresting the bad guys”, and “keeping the city safe”. They were also instructed to wear blue on Friday.
Some parents aren’t happy with these new assignments though, and have asked that political persuasions be left out of the classroom. Alicia Moore, who’s son’s father, James Moore, killed in custody by Bakersfield police in 2005, says she will be keeping her 6 and 7 year old kids home from school on Friday, but she’s disappointed to damage their record for perfect attendance.
North Beardsley Elementary is declining to comment about the controversy at this time.
