Overview
Kofi's class is voting on a mural design for the school hallway. Most kids pick a simple sports theme, but Suki's design — which celebrates different cultures in the school — only gets a few votes. Kofi thinks Suki's design is better for the whole school but the vote went against it.
The Choice
Should Kofi accept the majority vote or defend Suki's mural design?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 3-5
- Reading Level
- Level 6.973144171779143
- Word Count
- 326 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Kofi's fourth-grade class is choosing a design for a big mural in the school hallway. Ms. Alvarez says they will vote. Most kids pick Jaylen's design, which shows a giant basketball and football. But Suki created a beautiful design with flags, foods, and music from all the different cultures in the school. Only four kids voted for Suki's design. Kofi voted for the sports theme but now feels unsure. He thinks Suki's mural would make more students in the whole school feel welcome, especially kids from other grades who do not play sports.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Accept the sports mural because the majority voted for it.
Speak up for Suki's multicultural design and ask the class to reconsider.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
Was the class vote fair to everyone in the school, not just the class?
- 2
Why might Suki's design matter to students who did not get to vote?
- 3
Is the most popular choice always the best choice?
- 4
How can Kofi respectfully ask his classmates to think again?
- 5
Have you ever changed your mind after hearing someone else's point of view?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from John Stuart Mill
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.