With regards to the article, Principle versus
the principal, I could not think of a more inappropriate
headline. It seems someone is desperate to create a
story where none exists. The fact that a
pre-teen should choose to challenge authority is hardly
newsworthy. It is a part of every day life.
Personally, I believe the principal is to be
commended for upholding rules, and for giving the student the
option of returning to school without a suspension.
Upholding a rule for all students and
applying it equitably is indeed a matter of principle.
Exceptions should not be made for those who are most vocal in
their protestations. All students must be treated
equally.
School after all has two, sometimes
conflicting roles. One is to create independent thinkers; the
other, to teach students to conform to social norms.
Unfortunately, the student in question is
under the misguided impression that somehow, frivolous
hairstyles are more important than learning.
Challenging authority can be a good thing,
but the reason for doing so ought not be simple attention
seeking. This is not about freedom of expression; it is merely
a power struggle.
S. Chan
Sudbury