Liza Wiemer, author of The Assignment, spoke to the Maryvale Upper School as part of Catholic Schools Week.
The Assignment is based on a real incident that occurred in 2017. A high school teacher instructs students to argue for the Final Solution, a euphemism used to describe the Nazi plan for the genocide of the Jewish people. Two upstanders in the class speak out against this assignment, and they are met with conflict and struggle. The book discusses themes of antisemitism, discrimination, the rise of hate groups, and the role of media and institutions.
Liza Wiemer's discussion focused on the crucial themes of allyship and the role of upstanders against hatred, bigotry, and injustice.
This Catholic Schools Week, we are reminded that we are Rooted in Faith. The Social Studies and Theology departments were pleased to host Ms. Liza Wiemer. Her presentation on antisemitism and the importance of being an upstander coincided with the National Day of Holocaust Remembrance. In keeping with the Hallmarks of a Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur learning community, we honor the dignity and sacredness of each person and are called to educate for and act on behalf of justice, peace, and care for creation. Ms. Wiemer’s presentation inspired us to see the intersection of historical events with our lived faith.
In class following the presentation, students reflected on the following questions:
- What does it mean to educate for justice in today’s world?
- What are some real-life examples of individuals or groups standing up against injustice? How do these examples inspire us?
- What biblical stories or Church teachings highlight the importance of standing against oppression?
Then, students talked more in-depth. Below are the discussion topics:
- Class Debate: “It is always necessary to speak up against injustice, no matter the consequences.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- Justice in Action: What steps can we take as a class, school, or community to promote a culture of justice and upstanding behavior?
- Connection to the Hallmarks of a SNDdeN Learning Community
- How does standing up for justice reflect believing in God’s goodness (Hallmark 1)?
- How can we act on behalf of justice and peace in our school or community (Hallmark 3)?
- How does building a supportive community help individuals stand up against injustice (Hallmark 6)?
