Parents prepare to protest live broadcast by Obama to students

FARMINGTON — Some Utah parents are preparing to protest a live broadcast by President Barak Obama scheduled to be shown in schools nationwide Tuesday.

Michael Roloff, of Vernal, who has four children in the Uintah School District, says he will pull his kids out of school rather than have them watch the Obama broadcast.

"We will go on a picnic and read the Constitution — learn something useful," Roloff said.

Davis School District officials are sending a letter home with students Thursday informing parents of the broadcast. Parents can indicate whether their child should opt out for an alternative activity, said Davis district spokesman Chris Williams.

Davis district's precaution comes after complaints from the conservative Utah Eagle Forum and concerned parents against an Obama-oriented video called "I Pledge!" shown Friday at Eagle Bay Elementary School.

District officials fielded phone calls Wednesday about Friday's video — as well as regarding Tuesday's live broadcast, Williams said.

Obama's address will air 10 a.m. at www.whitehouse.gov.

Not all parents are upset over Obama's messages to students.

"I bet if it was a Republican, it wouldn't be that big of a deal," said Nick Moore, who has a child in Davis district and says he voted for Obama. "I would prefer my kids see it. It's Obama. He's the leader of our nation."

According to the U.S. Department of Education's Web site, Obama will speak directly to the nation's students on "persisting and succeeding in school." He will "challenge students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning."

The broadcast comes with classroom activities. For more information, visit www.ed.gov.

"I don't think our president has any business in our classrooms," said Amber Harrison, who has three children in the Uintah School District.

Harrison and her husband, Jeremy, are encouraging Uintah district parents via e-mail to call their children's schools. If the broadcast is shown, the parent should be present. If they don't like what is said, they can take their child and walk out.

Uintah Superintendent Mark Dockins said he is leaving it up to school principals and teachers to decide whether to air the live broadcast.

"No principal is forced to show it," Dockins said. "No student is forced to watch it."

Michael Miller, of Vernal, who has three children in the Uintah district, says he might pull his kids out of school Tuesday and have a protest on his front lawn.

"I don't think it's appropriate (that Obama) speak to our kids. It's like someone calling my child on the phone and speaking to them without my permission," Miller said.

"What are his motives? It seems fishy," he added.