We recently received this open letter to the Kennewick School Board from Chuck Henager, Jr., a longtime Kennewick resident. His comments reflect a sentiment we have heard many times in conversations with Kennewick school patrons in recent days. Thanks, Mr. Henager, for submitting this to KSD Citizens for publication.
Admin
Dear School Board,
I was deeply disappointed by the recent decision of the board to remove the public speech privileges for the school clubs this year. I think that this decision sends the message to students that you do not care to hear from them or that they do not have a right to be heard. By not allowing them to use the school intercom system you have effectively muted them, which I equate with censorship. I know that they do not have the right to free speech in the schools but you have removed a right that they had been granted and I am not sure why you chose to do this.
As a parent of two recent graduates, I value the independence that they learned in high school making decisions and working with some fine educators in the process. Part of their education was being allowed to speak to the school on behalf of other students and in concert with their adult advisors, depending on the club. My son was fortunate to get to work with Phil Dron when he was at KeHS and it upset me to hear that your ill-advised decision deflated his plans for the students he now mentors at Southridge HS. He is a fine educator and, in the process of holding down the students, you have also made his life less enjoyable and less effective as a teacher and mentor.
I would like for you to reconsider this decision. The new regulation or policy does not allow our high school students to learn and grow as much as they need to and, in fact, it hinders their growth. You have effectively censored the school clubs and you have sent the wrong message to our kids and to our community.
Here I was feeling a bit smug that at least we did not have the book censorship problems of Richland, then along came your censorial decision regarding no public speech for school clubs. Are we going backwards here?
Chuck Henager, Jr.
101 N Yelm Street
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-734-1166
Chuck,
I commend your support of KSD’s students and staff. Superintendent Dave Bond did recommend that the board permit all student clubs equal access to district facilities and services.
Lynn Fielding’s statement on this issue, “we don’t have to treat people nicely, just treat them the same” reflects an attitude which most community members consider unacceptable. The board has mandated that school district employees do treat people nicely. For educators this comes naturally.
The school board needs to readdress this issue. With more citizens like you speaking out the board may see the wisdom of correcting this error.
I view this action as a direct attack on GSA. The Board is pushing kids in other organizations to take out their frustration on members of GSA who “caused” this. Actually all students and KSD citizens should “take it out” on the Board members who pushed for this ridiculous decision. When are we going to stand up and speak out. Thanks, Mr. Henager, for your letter. I hope it is the first of many.