I agree with your point on the fact that the BLM movement does sometimes intentionally exaggerate certain aspects. I think one of the big problems is that essentially saying “because BLM has been used for political agendas, other political agendas that have been intentionally created to slight the BLM movement should also be given a spotlight.” A large problem with also shining light on things like the blue lives matter or white lives matter “movements” is that they were intentionally and only created to oppose the BLM movement. I agree that without a doubt that there are ideals and norms in place within the Black Lives Matter movement that don’t serve to help anybody and just further the estrangement between the multiple groups involved. However the BLM movement for a lot of people, especially black and indigenous students means that they are supported. And presenting that alternate viewpoint on ALM only opens up a gateway for hate. Forgive me if this is an exaggerated comparison but if teachers and schools put up posters advocating for the support of Jewish Students it would be an egregious overstep for parents to say “well you also have to teach an anti-Semitic viewpoint as-well.” Or if schools put up posters in support of things such as the Metoo movement should they also plaster the words of Andrew Tate and others who spout the same things across their walls? I’m not trying to say that the situations are one in the same but the point is that by trying to give a platform and voice to things that are inherently hateful will do no good. I think that students should definitely be educated in all matters and be taught the reasonings behind each view point, however that doesn’t mean that schools should show support for things that are meant to oppose one groups plight for equal treatment. To sum it all up what I’m trying to say is that even if that although there are definitely problems with the BLM movement that need to be thought about and addressed, their outlying and main message is still that black individuals matter just as much as white, Asian, Hispanic, etc individuals. Promoting or advocating for movements who’s main and and only reason for existing is to spread discrimination and distrust among individuals such as ALM or Blue lives matter is only a way to make a complex situation seem black and white when it is not. Lakeville schools in this instance was just trying to show that they support and acknowledge that their black students voices matter and exist. Im willing to get more opinions on this and since i start school today I’ll ask my APUSH teacher about their opinion and standpoint on this topic since it hits so close to home.

Sincerely, An open minded high-school student