To the editor: I’ve taught highschool English for greater than three a long time. Just like the suspended Moreno Valley Unified Faculty District trainer, I used to be in a darkish emotional place the day after the election. (“Moreno Valley Unified trainer’s destiny unsure following anti-Trump rant in classroom,” Nov. 13)
Nonetheless, when a scholar in school requested me what I considered the election, I merely replied that I used to be for a world by which all individuals have been secure, welcome and given the dignity and respect that each human deserves.
Politics, tradition, world occasions — all must be mentioned in frank phrases. However a self-indulgent tantrum stuffed with sweeping insults and profane self-righteous anger fairly than crucial discourse has no place in a classroom.
We’re there to show college students to suppose for themselves, worth info and course of it with analytical minds. This may be achieved with ardour however not petulance — and positively not by making ill-informed advert hominem assaults in opposition to voters whose little kids have been very probably college students on this trainer’s classroom.
Carmen Knowledge, Lancaster
..
To the editor: Whereas the Moreno Valley historical past trainer shouldn’t have so vociferously expressed his over-the-top views throughout a classroom dialogue, he shouldn’t be fired.
As a retired social research trainer, I attempted to create a secure area for my college students to precise many political opinions. Highschool college students are nearing voting age and wish to listen to what skilled adults should say.
My position was to not proselytize, however to open a dialogue and have youngsters use information and good examples to again up their views. What higher place than a secure classroom, the place respect is a precedence?
It’s stated that politics is realized on the dinner desk, however it is usually realized at one’s classroom desk. Respectful dialogue of opposing views units a tone for later life. I nonetheless be in contact with some college students, together with those that most likely disagree with me politically.
The Moreno Valley trainer appears like a caring and glorious teacher. A suspension is so as, however he shouldn’t be eliminated completely. His college students will profit from his strategies and experience.
Carol Spector, Ventura
