Re: Birmingham cheating: Artilce #4 - Blaming the Victims

[Anne Nonniemouse <ShopMathEdu@AOL.COM>]

In a message dated 6/17/00 11:51:58 PM Central Daylight Time,
kscanty@PACBELL.NET writes:

<< It seems that if I were a reporter I would want to talk face
 to face with someone telling a story, but that doesn't necessarily mean that
 I would print their names.  >>

The reporter showed up at our site and I introduced her to one student.  He
told her a very compelling story.  We also provided the reporter a written
statement initialed by the student (Student A).  The reporter said that she
could not use anonymous statements.  She also seemed genuinely moved by the
comments of the student.  She said that she talked to her editor and they may
consider using these comments, though they do not agree with us that there
would be so much harm in identifying the students.  They say they protect
people who could get fired, but they don't see what could happen to the
students.  Interestingly, the paper agreed to protect my identity, but not
that of the students.  So, we may work out  deal where I my identity is
revealed, but the students will remain protected.

This might seem like an unnecessary side issue to some of you, but I have
seen the most insidious, vindictive retaliation against STUDENTS by this same
BOE.  Keep in mind, these students have already been labeled as arsonists and
hooligans.  I know what the impact can be on a young person.  Once, I used to
believe that in issues around schools, only the adult activists would be on
the line and could suffer.  But I was enlightened, to the marrow of my bone,
when I saw what this system is capable of doing to activist students when
they have them in their grasp five days a week, 7 hours a day.

Every single comment which we have received from this list has been very
helpful and most appreciated.

Each of you are helping us gain clarity and a little more objectivity on our
strategy and tactics.

Thanks!

We hope to return the favor someday.

Yours, from Birmingham, AL

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