May 11, 2006
While I can understand the sentiment behind seeking alternate diplomas, I believe the path that New Bedford leaders (School Committee and Mayor) have taken is fraught with peril. The law of the land in Massachusetts is pretty clear on the point of requirements for a diploma. What the Board has done, and what a few others are proposing, is to disregard the law.
Again, the goal may be admirable - and I am purposefully not discussing the merits - but do "ends justify means"? If the School Board and Mayor believe the law to be wrong, can they just disregard the law? Is that the purpose of elected officials, and also school officials? Community leaders, and especially School Board Members, must demonstrate to the community and students the appropriate action to be taken when there is a disagreement with a law.
Would the thoughts be different if I proposed that detention no longer exist. The Student Councils of schools take a vote that they will no longer respect the decision of teachers and/or principals to hand out detention. Detention is such a waste of time, time that could be better spent to encourage students to have a fun and enjoyable time in school; and to minimize the chances for student drop-out. Wasn't that one of New Bedford's arguments? Without detention, imagine how much happier the students would be.
So, let us head down that path. A School Committee does not agree with a law, so they choose to ignore it. Students don't like detention, so they will ignore that.
The appropriate action is to work to change the law if one does not agree with it. It is never correct to knowingly violate the law, and especially so when the issue relates to children. They will learn from our actions, so we must set an appropriate example.
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Joseph Gillis Jr.
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