Dr. Willis,
Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate that you have looked into the legal aspects of your decisions. However, as interim Superintendent, I would guess that you are somewhat removed from the classroom environment. But even you must be aware of the efforts around the country to fight bullying.
Your argument "it is never a requirement for any student or staff member to participate" is the same weak-minded copout that people have been using with the Pledge of Allegiance for decades. Frankly, I expect better from someone who has earned a PhD. Surely you can see how "separate but equal" doesn't work in grade schools. Not participating in "group think" is probably the number one cause of bullying the world over, not just elementary school.
For those who have the strength and courage to "not participate" maybe we can force them to wear a scarlet letter on their clothes? Or perhaps something like the Jews wore in Nazi Germany? This will show the bullies which kids are the easy targets. Since the Salvation Army is a homophobic organization, we should make the patch a rainbow "G," I'm sure they'll love the symbolism.
Maybe you'll gain some insight reading my blog from last year on the Pledge of Allegiance.
Latenitewrite.blogspot.com/2011/09/i-pledge-allegiance.html
Please, think through and reconsider your position on separating the non-conformists. Bullies have it too easy already.
Jack St.Clair
non-conformist
