Hairston's 'Hitler' Comment Spurs Demand for Apology

Two state legislators are calling on Baltimore County Schools Superintendent Joe A. Hairston to apologize for or explain a comment he made that equated anger toward his AIM grading software to rage harbored for "Hitler."  

State Sens. Jim Brochin and Bobby Zirkin said Hairston should explain and apologize for inappropriately comparing criticism of a software program to hatred toward the man responsible for the deaths of six million Jews during World War II.

"To invoke Hitler, it's so ridiculous," Zirkin said. "It's almost like you don't know what to say because its so ridiculous and so offensive."

Brochin called Hairston's comments "bizarre."

Hairston, in a brief statement issued today, said his comments were not intended to offend.

A spokesman for Hairston declined to characterize the statement.

"I'll let Dr. Hairston's words speak for themselves," Herndon said. "It is what it is."

At issue is a comment Hairston made in an interview with Patch.com that was published Tuesday.

During the interview, Hairston spoke about the controversial Articulated Instruction Module, commonly known as AIM. The grading component of the program came under fire this year by teachers and legislators.

Hairston said in the interview that the grading component of AIM draws "a very strong, hostile reaction."

"AIM is like Hitler," Hairston said. "Everything that you hate and everything that you dislike is thrown in there. I don't even think that most people who talk about AIM even know what it is."

In his statement, Hairston said he never intended to offend anyone.

"Throughout my entire career as a superintendent and educator, I have tried to model inclusion of diverse cultures and harmony for all," according to the statement. "The referenced statement was not intended to offend anyone. I compared the emotional reactions some people have to a BCPS education tool to reactions people have to the name of an historic villain."


Brochin wants a better explanation.

"I really think he should explain himself and what he means," Brochin said.

Zirkin said he had not spoken to the superintendent but believed Hairston would "be issuing an apology in the next day or two."

Asked if he wanted an apology, Zirkin replied, "Absolutely, yes."

What do you think of Dr. Hairston's use of Hitler?