Well I've been on both sides of this issue and after hearing several impassioned and persuasive arguments tonight I've decided that's exactly where I want to be. There are NO winners here. Everybody loses. I'm used to that, I've spent hours upon hours in Probate Court.
The biggest losers are the kids. You see they lose the benefit of the partnership with the students and those same students lose the benefit of dealing with with Lynn and what we could teach them about acceptance of difference.
The biggest loss our kids received was in something they gained. That was in seeing how it's sometimes advantageous to play to the crowd.
Too bad for the kids. Shame on Gayllo Carrasco Ford and Cappano t ignored every resolve.
ReplyDeleteBeing both poor and disabled, I have been a victim of discrimination for years and I have observed over the years that the worst perpetrators are other victims. In the name of a false justice they often overcompensate to satisfy their own self righteousness. In the end it's all about what is best for the kids and either way we are teaching them to be intolerant. The answer is always in the middle somewhere.
ReplyDeleteDon't those who spoke and voted in favor of severing ties realize that many of the teachers, substitute teachers, aides, counselors, administrators, elected officials, volunteers, mentors, tutors, etc. who are in contact with our students every single day have similar beliefs as Mr. Lindsay? Are these associations OK as long as these people just continue to regularly attend their church or other organization and practice their beliefs, but do not speak about them publicly? What about the Catholic schools in our city like St. Mary's and St. Pius and the students who attend them? Are they no longer going to be allowed to step foot in Lynn Public Schools either? Is Lynn Public Schools going to sever ties with these schools and students too? Where is the line?
ReplyDeleteThe person above does raise some valid points. Is there a line? If so, where is that line? I actually emailed the school committee, Mayor, and Dr. Latham this morning because I am curious if this decision means that LPS will now refuse to hire anyone who attended Gordon or other Christian/Catholic/Private high school or college that shares the same beliefs as Gordon.
ReplyDeleteLori, that is such a VALID point. This WHAT I mean by SLIPPERY SLOPE. There are always unintended consequences when you single out a targeted minority. In this case that minority was accompanied.
ReplyDeleteI've also asked the committee members, Mayor and Dr. Latham if they will be severing ties with Catholic Charities. The CEO of Catholic Charities also signed the same letter as President Lindsay of Gordon College. Virginia Doocy, the Director of Catholic Charities North and Diane Perez, the Basic Needs Intake Coordinator/Case Manager of Catholic Charities North were both part of the LPS family engagement alignment team and perhaps still are. What about Operation Bootstrap who partners with Catholic Charities and where Val Buchanan, the Director of Community Engagement for Gordon College is a board member? Val Buchanan is a member of Harrington's school council. Will she no longer be allowed? What about all the affiliates and supporting organizations of Gordon College, Catholic Charities, Operation Bootstrap, and other organizations, churches, and school? I am sure the list could go on and on. Where does it end? I agree with those who say this is a slippery slope. I do not think those who voted to sever all ties with Gordon know just exactly what that decision entails. I think this decision will have a much greater impact and unintended consequences than many realized. This is just the beginning!
ReplyDeleteWho do you know who talks about unintended consequences? I smell a public hearing perhaps?
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