Issue: Is Trayvon Martin Case Worthy of Special Study in Schools?

Reading, writing and Trayvon Martin? The San Diego school board last week moved to include the case of the fatal shooting of an unarmed Florida teen into the classrooms of local middle and high schools.

“This is about the education of our children and giving them the tools to safely engage the world around them,” Trustee Marne Foster was quoted as saying by U-T San Diego.

But one parent responded: “Why do we need the board of education to vote on what people can and can’t discuss in classes? Shouldn't all classrooms … already be forums for discussions of current events?”

Richard Barrera, a school board member who also proposed the effort to bring the case into the classroom, said in a Fox5 News account: “You want to allow for a productive dialogue with teachers and counselors who know how to work with young people so that it doesn’t get out of hand some place else.”

Is the Trayvon Martin case worth of special status in local schools?  Or is this a teachable moment that can gives youngsters a chance to learn more about culture, history and conflict? Share your thoughts in the comments.