So to say that schools need to be responsible to solve societal problems is really not feasible. Educators are responsible for modeling behaviors that demonstrate acceptance to those who are different, understanding to those who are struggling and enthusiasm to those who are apathetic. And, one of the main reasons I believe many people become teachers is the responsibility and desire to spark question, imagination and creativity. Certainly in an ideal world these would be the responsibilities of every adult. But educators are the lucky adults.
Teachers have a captive audience that is young and formative.
They have a real possibility of impacting ideas in students that may be the catalyst for change in a person who will be our next doctor, minister or president. Schools do not solve societal problems but human beings do. Schools can only provide the tools, ideas and choices. I do not know if schools can successfully do either. We can talk about problematic issues in schools, but as Courtney said, the teacher's opinions and concerns may conflict with the parents' views.