To the editor: I’ve taught highschool English for greater than three many years. Just like the suspended Moreno Valley Unified Faculty District instructor, I used to be in a darkish emotional place the day after the election. (“Moreno Valley Unified teacher’s fate uncertain following anti-Trump rant in classroom,” Nov. 13)
Nonetheless, when a pupil at school requested me what I considered the election, I merely replied that I used to be for a world wherein all folks had been protected, welcome and given the dignity and respect that each human deserves.
Politics, tradition, world occasions — all ought to be mentioned in frank phrases. However a self-indulgent tantrum stuffed with sweeping insults and profane self-righteous anger relatively than vital 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 executed with ardour however not petulance — and positively not by making ill-informed advert hominem assaults towards voters whose little kids had been very seemingly college students on this instructor’s classroom.
Carmen Knowledge, Lancaster
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To the editor: Whereas the Moreno Valley historical past instructor mustn’t have so vociferously expressed his over-the-top views throughout a classroom dialogue, he shouldn’t be fired.
As a retired social research instructor, I attempted to create a protected house for my college students to precise many political beliefs. 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 children use info and good examples to again up their views. What higher place than a protected classroom, the place respect is a precedence?
It’s stated that politics is discovered on the dinner desk, however it’s also discovered 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 instructor 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
