Saturday, October 17, 2009

CALL FOR ACTION: Demand Justice of Matthew Whalen, Eagle Scout Booted Out of School for 2" Knife Locked in His Car




Mr. Zero Tolerance has nothing to smile about. Get Involvedx

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Thursday, we reported about Matthew Whalen, 17 years old, an Eagle Scout and a student suspended from at Lansingburgh High School in Troy, New York because he had a 2” pocket knife, a gift from his grandfather, a police chief in a nearby community, as part of a survival kit locked and stored in his car. Intends to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and this blemish on his high school record could affect his chances of admission.

The suspension was the result of a “zero tolerance” discipline policy which exceeds the state guidelines. Clearly, the student was not using the knife as a weapon. There was no intent to do harm. He did not have the knife on his person. It was locked in his car. However, the policy was said not to leave discretion. Regardless of this young man’s exemplary behavior, the school system would not budge stating his punishment was “appropriate and fair.”

Here’s an article updating this horrible fiasco:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,567700,00.html

We are therefore urging our readers to speak out against this outrageous conduct which is attacking the reputation and credentials of an obviously stellar young man.

WRITE THE SUPERINTENDENT:
George J. Goodwin
Superintendent
Lansingburgh Central Schools
576 5th Avenue
Troy, NY 12182
(518) 233-6850

You might also send an email:
ggoodwin@lansingburgh.org

Firmly but politely point out the extent to which you are alarmed a young man of good character would be subjected to such institutional abuse by an ineffective and heavy handed policy. Personalize your note; perhaps ask the Superintendent, as a parent, how he would feel if his son were so penalized.

Be sure your letter demands action. Anything less than rescinding the penalty against this exceptional young man is unacceptable.

As American citizens, we must support making sure our public schools represent the values of our communities. We will not let school bureaucrats bully our children or indoctrinate them into accepting beliefs we cannot justify.

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