Kevin Gisi

It seems like a no-brainer: the president of the United States encourages students across the country to work hard in school, primary schools distribute the message, and the nation moves forward into a new school year.

Yet, some conservative groups, school districts and parents took action against the president’s speech being shown in classrooms, claiming the rhetoric would brainwash young minds and attempt to induct children into socialism. Many districts decided against airing the speech, and those that did insisted on parental consent.

While it’s impossible to totally put politics aside when the president delivers a speech, Obama’s remarks Tuesday – the first day of school for many students across the country – were not political.

The message was fundamental, but important: “. at the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities,” Obama said in his address. “Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed.”

Arguably, many young people have heard these remarks, in some form or another, for their entire lives. Many, like me, have been fortunate to have mentors and role models throughout their tenure in school. I come from a family of teachers, where education was not only a way of life, but a profession.

But there are those who were less fortunate, who never had parents, let alone presidents, tell them how important education is; how it’s the single most important resource for the nation and the nation’s youth. For them, this moment was more important than ever, and it’s a shame that political partisanship prevailed over educational encouragement.

I agree with St. Francis School District Superintendent Carol Topinka, who said the address should have been looked at through an educational rather than political lens.

It’s also easy to forget how exclusive American politics can seem to young people, especially those enrolled in K – 12 school programs. Most of them can’t vote, and few who are 18-years-old actually do when they have the chance. For a population so remised by politicians, what could be more motivating, more encouraging, than a message from the country’s highest office? It’s a shame many didn’t get the chance to see and hear it live.

Obama’s speech Tuesday was indeed historic, but not without precedent. Both presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush have orated similar messages to students, though surrounded by somewhat less controversy.

Chief among the critics was Florida Republican Party Chairman, Jim Greer, who, according to the LA Times, claimed the speech would try to “indoctrinate America’s children to his socialist agenda.”

Greer later rescinded his comment after the text of the speech was released, calling it a good speech and appropriate in a school forum. Even Laura Bush, a former teacher herself, came out in support of the speech.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune and others reported that some parents were worried the president’s speech would be used to push the White House’s political agenda, yet Obama’s remarks contained nothing of the sort. Instead, it aimed to relate to young people, through examples of J.K. Rowling’s and Michael Jordan’s trials and tribulations on the way to success.

The speech went on to encourage children to wash their hands, do their homework and ask for help when needed – hardly the fiery rhetoric that some suspected.