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Controversial image involving President Trump used as part of lesson at Loch Raven High School

Posted at 6:17 PM, Feb 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-25 09:33:30-05

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — A controversial image used as part of a lesson in an AP History course is causing quite the stir at Loch Raven High School.

As part of a statement from a spokesperson with Baltimore County Public Schools, he said "the topics being discussed included World Wars and the attempts by some leaders to limit, or prevent migration, into certain countries. In isolation and out of context with the lesson, the image could be misunderstood. In our Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which are college level courses, we expect and encourage analysis and discussion around historical and current events even if they are considered controversial."

The image shows a photo with President Donald Trump above pictures of a swastika and hammer-and-sickle.

We have chosen not to show the photo in question.

The full statement read:

"The image was a slide used in a classroom discussion. We can confirm it was from Loch Raven High and used as part of a lesson in an AP History course. The topics being discussed included World Wars and the attempts by some leaders to limit, or prevent migration, into certain countries. In isolation and out of context with the lesson, the image could be misunderstood. In our Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which are college level courses, we expect and encourage analysis and discussion around historical and current events even if they are considered controversial. This lesson was not intended to make a political statement. If a student has concerns when discussing a controversial issue, schools have the tools to address the concern and support the student."

We will continue to update this story as we learn more information.