A Weaponized Platform - TSD Discussion Group Accused of Hate and Silencing of Concerned Parents
We are continuously updating this story as details emerge. Last Edit: 9/16/2023 4:00 PM
In today's digital age, online discussion groups can serve as powerful platforms for people to engage in constructive conversations and exchange ideas. Unfortunately, not all online forums uphold the principles of free speech and open dialogue. The TSD Discussion Group, which claims to be a platform for discussing topics related to education, has come under scrutiny for allegedly weaponizing its space, silencing concerned parents, and perpetuating a one-sided narrative.
The TSD Discussion Group presents itself as a space for parents, educators, and community members to discuss various issues related to education. However, many users and critics argue that the group has taken a sharp turn towards promoting a particular ideological agenda.
One of the most concerning allegations against the TSD Discussion Group is its habit of labeling anyone who disagrees with its dominant ideology as "extremists." Concerned parents who voice apprehensions about issues like inappropriate lessons in schools or school safety measures are often dismissed and labeled as extremists without meaningful engagement.
The group also targets school board candidates who align with conservative viewpoints on school safety issues. Instead of fostering a healthy debate about differing approaches to school safety, the TSD Discussion Group brands these candidates as extremists merely for receiving support from a conservative individual or group. In the wake of the district sexual abuse scandal, common ground should exist when it comes to the safety of our children.
Director candidate Vincent Powell is running on a platform of improving school safety and academics. Today he made a post in the group introducing himself. The group appeared quick to eliminate comments thanking him in an effort to create a one-sided narrative. In a disgusting display, comments attempting to label him as “extreme” were allowed to remain however.
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the TSD Discussion Group is its handling of dissenting voices. Parents who point out abusive behavior or question the group's narrative are reportedly banned or silenced. This approach effectively creates a false one-sided perception of the issues discussed within the group.
More users have reported banned comments, but asked us not to share screen shots
False claims such as this are allowed however
Those who commented assumed that the moderators of the TSD Discussion Group were the ones to immediately remove their comments due to consistent one-sided suppression. The moderators, have faced criticism for their alleged bias and heavy-handed moderation. Critics argue that instead of facilitating open and respectful discussions, the moderators appear to actively support and propagate the group's dominant ideology. Tahoma Parents articles, for example, have been banned on the platform with moderators stating, “We don’t allow hate speech here.” Even middle ground articles calling for Rallying Behind our Teachers are not allowed if they don’t agree with the person or group posting it.
The group’s moderators quickly reacted to this situation and explained that overly aggressive Facebook algorithms were the reason for suppressed comments in this incident. It should be noted that Facebook moderators have the ability to approved flagged content and configure their spam settings. In the incident described, only narrative-supporting comments appeared to be approved until enough pressure had mounted and enough screenshots had been shared in other groups.
Users who posted screenshots of their comments being censored have reportedly now been banned from the group altogether, further deteriorating any chance of open dialogue.
We encourage our readers to join the TSD Discussion Group and form their own opinions on the matter.
While online discussion groups can be excellent platforms for engaging in meaningful dialogue and sharing diverse perspectives, weaponizing its platform to silence concerned parents and promote a particular ideology is detrimental to the community. Labeling dissenting voices as extremists and banning users who raise questions undermine the very principles of open and constructive discourse. This is precisely why the Tahoma Parents Community was formed. While we recognize our platform is not as polished as Facebook, we strive to promote free dialog and open discussion.
In a society where education is a critical and constantly evolving field, it is essential to maintain spaces where concerned parents, educators, and community members can engage in thoughtful conversations without fear of reprisal or silencing. The allegations against the TSD Discussion Group serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding these principles, even in the digital realm, to ensure a well-rounded and inclusive discussion on education and its challenges.
