VERY touchy situation

[sgaestel]

My junior English students are writing research papers. They are allowed to choose anything to write about (not my decision), I am making them choose something that affected American society (my upper levels have to do an author).
One girl in my class choose the KKK. I should have seen a red flag at this, but I didn't. In helping her with a thesis statement, I begin to get the impression that she choose this topic because she AGREES with the midset of this group.
I was proven correct yesterday, when my class began discussing a shooting of an interracial couple at a Walmart. She stated something like, "the shooter was right in what he did." I immediately ended the conversation, and when checking students outlines one by one told her at my desk she and I needed to have a conversation.
I had this child last semester and never got any of this from her. She was sweet in class and never expressed these viewpoints. That class also had a lot less freedom( it was a repeater ENG I class, this is a junior English class).
I feel it is my OBLIGATION to sit down with this child, and speak to her about this. If these are views she is looking into, or agreeing with...she has got to have her eyes opened.
I know the girl enjoys my class and respects me, now I just have to figure out a way to deal with this situation. It is not a matter of IF I will take action, simply HOW to do it.
I can not, in good conscience, let this one go.
Any suggestions?

[MsCoffeeLover]

Is this paper an opinion paper? Do you have a list of questions that need to be answered? Having a specific agenda and specific questions that need to be answered may help and can guide her regardless of personal beliefs.

It may help to talk to a teacher coach or department head or someone at the district level to get a few ideas of what is accepted practice or not before you conference with the student. Have all of that information first because some things are just not in your power at all.

It is also one thing to have a question and answer discussion, but it is another management strategy for students to keep their comments to themselves. It has nothing to do not allowing them to express themselves, but everything to do with allowing certain behaviors. Comments, sucking of teeth, moaning and groaning, sarcasm, regardless of the context is unacceptable. It has nothing to do with content of the comment just the behavior surrounding the comment doesn't fit in with the class rules.

It would help to know a little more about the specifics of the paper because certain topics and the criteria behind supporting those topics can be guided.

If I were in shoes, I would wonder about the same thing. I wouldn't be able to just not do anything.

[jsfowler]

Wow. This is touchy. I would not go any further without talking to administration. I would then also include the parents so that you can see if they share her views and what their reaction will be. You want the parents to feel included not excluded - they usually respond better that way. Please keep me informed on how this is going. I've never really ran into anything like this before..I want to be prepared.

Whose decision was this to write about anything they want? That is not a good idea. Can you overturn that decision for next time?

[busbus]

This is a First Amendment issue that I wouldn't touch. I would put it in the hands of the administration. Let administration sort this out. If administration wants to interview the student and/or parents about this research, so be it. But, other than discussing this with my administrator, I would go no further. This is a hot potato!


Here is a site that gives an overview of the First Amendment as it affects students' newspapers and yearbooks:

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/studentexpression/topic.aspx?topic=K-12_newspapers_yearbooks

[sgaestel]

Probably not. I don't have a lot of "clout" at my school yet, it's only my second year. Teachers have a pretty set way of doing things. They actually didn't agree with me making my CP kids research an author...my kids are the only ones that have to do this, honors kids don't even have to authors.
They just have to do something that has had an impact on American society...which this girl's topic certainly does. I wanted to tell her originally she couldn't do it, but I couldn't justify saying no.
I think I will talk with my principal about this, I just don't want to lose the student's trust in the process. I feel like I can make a bigger difference if she still trusts me.

[sgaestel]

This is a First Amendment issue that I wouldn't touch. I would put it in the hands of the administration. Let administration sort this out. If administration wants to interview the student and/or parents about this research, so be it. But, other than discussing this with my administrator, I would go no further. This is a hot potato!


Here is a site that gives an overview of the First Amendment as it affects students' newspapers and yearbooks:

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/studentexpression/topic.aspx?topic=K-12_newspapers_yearbooks

The First Amendment issue only goes so far in a high school, right?
Also, I am not trying to get the student in trouble...I am trying to change her mind. I am trying to save this girl before she goes down a path that is just WRONG. First Amendment or not, when she made that comment in class, you can imagine the reaction she got from other students...I believe in a school the first amendment stops when it becomes disruptive.

[sgaestel]

I also told the student to be very careful about writing this paper. I made it clear in no uncertain terms that I would not appreciate a paper with bias, especially in favor of this thought process.

[Chef Dave]

I wanted to tell her originally she couldn't do it, but I couldn't justify saying no.

So why are you upset?

You can't have it both ways. You gave her the freedom to write about an extremely controversial subject and now you're telling her that you won't accept a biased paper?

I think a common misconception about the first amendment is that the right to free speech is absolute.

Not true.

There are laws in this country against libel, obscenity, threats, perjury, public speaking without a permit, treason, violation of trade secrets, noise pollution, sedition, and lies that cause a crowd to panic (such as shouting "fire" in a crowded theater).

A paper such as the one written by this student falls under the category of hate speech.

According to Wikipedia, "Hate speech is a term for words intended to degrade, intimidate, or incite violence or prejudicial action against a person or group of people based on their race, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, language ability, moral or political views, socioeconomic class, occupation or appearance (such as height, weight, and hair color), mental capacity and any other distinction-liability."

In many countries, deliberate use of hate speech is a criminal offense prohibited under incitement to hatred legislation.

In the United States, we do not specifically have a Federal law against hate speech (though some states may have such statutes) ... but if hate speech were to result in a crime, such speech could be used to establish motive for the added penalty of a "hate crime."

A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, ethnicity/national origin, gender, sexual preference, or disability.

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia presently have statutes criminalizing various types of hate crimes. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have statutes creating a civil cause of action in addition to the criminal penalty for similar acts

The U.S. Supreme Court maintains that penalty-enhancement hate crime statutes do not conflict with free speech rights since they do not punish an individual for exercising freedom of expression. Such laws allow courts to consider motive when sentencing a criminal for conduct which is not protected by the First Amendment.

[busbus]

The First Amendment issue only goes so far in a high school, right?
Also, I am not trying to get the student in trouble...I am trying to change her mind. I am trying to save this girl before she goes down a path that is just WRONG. First Amendment or not, when she made that comment in class, you can imagine the reaction she got from other students...I believe in a school the first amendment stops when it becomes disruptive.

You are absolutely right - First Amendment stops when it becomes disruptive.

I did imagine and do imagine the reaction she got from other students when she made the comment. It disgusted me and I truly think I felt what your students felt. I do feel sorry for this young lady; but, I do believe that these are taught beliefs - perhaps from her parents or from within the community in which she lives.

The vestiges of the 19th Century still exists and are being perpetuated through our youths. How sad and dangerous!

[sgaestel]

So why are you upset?

You can't have it both ways. You gave her the freedom to write about an extremely controversial subject and now you're telling her that you won't accept a biased paper?

I think a common misconception about the first amendment is that the right to free speech is absolute.

Not true.

There are laws in this country against libel, obscenity, threats, perjury, public speaking without a permit, treason, violation of trade secrets, noise pollution, sedition, and lies that cause a crowd to panic (such as shouting "fire" in a crowded theater).

A paper such as the one written by this student falls under the category of hate speech.

According to Wikipedia, "Hate speech is a term for words intended to degrade, intimidate, or incite violence or prejudicial action against a person or group of people based on their race, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, language ability, moral or political views, socioeconomic class, occupation or appearance (such as height, weight, and hair color), mental capacity and any other distinction-liability."

In many countries, deliberate use of hate speech is a criminal offense prohibited under incitement to hatred legislation.

In the United States, we do not specifically have a Federal law against hate speech (though some states may have such statutes) ... but if hate speech were to result in a crime, such speech could be used to establish motive for the added penalty of a "hate crime."

A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, ethnicity/national origin, gender, sexual preference, or disability.

Forty-five states and the District of Columbia presently have statutes criminalizing various types of hate crimes. Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia have statutes creating a civil cause of action in addition to the criminal penalty for similar acts

The U.S. Supreme Court maintains that penalty-enhancement hate crime statutes do not conflict with free speech rights since they do not punish an individual for exercising freedom of expression. Such laws allow courts to consider motive when sentencing a criminal for conduct which is not protected by the First Amendment.

Um, this is a research paper, not an opinion paper. And I am upset because of the nature of the paper...which is coming dangerously close to what you speak of.
When she turned in this topic, I was very clear that she should be focusing on the impact of this group on American society. I see nothing wrong with that, and thought that would be the way she would go. She still may...but in the past few days I've realized her interest in the topic is certainly more than I had expected.
I also tell all of my students not to use Wikipedia for their research papers, as it isn't always a reliable source.
I am concerned mostly about this line of thinking in a young person, and I feel as though it is my responsibility as a person to get her away from this belief system.

[sgaestel]

You are absolutely right - First Amendment stops when it becomes disruptive.

I did imagine and do imagine the reaction she got from other students when she made the comment. It disgusted me and I truly think I felt what your students felt. I do feel sorry for this young lady; but, I do believe that these are taught beliefs - perhaps from her parents or from within the community in which she lives.

The vestiges of the 19th Century still exists and are being perpetuated through our youths. How sad and dangerous!


I agree with you 100%, and I thought that maybe she would have been doing this paper about the impact of these beliefs and the fact they still exsist today... which like I said, she still may. But knowing now that she feels this way or is thinking this way makes me sick.
How do I seperate this when I have her in class? This is something that is not only offensive to EVERY other student in the classroom, it is extremely offensive to me! I am going to talk to my principal on Monday to see what he thinks I should do. Perhaps I will speak with a counselor as well.
All I know is I have to do something about this...asap!

[JLGunn]

As in all situations of this nature, and especially since you are a relatively new teacher at your school, I think you should definitely talk to your principal before you take any action of any kind on your own. I think getting the counselor's input would also be wise. The alarming belief system of your student comes from some outside influence, and in general, it is usually the parents who are responsible. Do you know her parents? This must be approached in a diplomatic way so as not to arouse the interest of the parents, perhaps by keeping it more centered on the guidelines of the assignment than on personal beliefs. For all you know, the parents could jump on this as a platform to advance their agenda. There are just a lot of "ifs" in this situation. Good luck! It is nice that you care so much.

[Spectre]

I understand your concern, but be cautious.

As teachers we do not have the right or the responsibility to impose our own judgements and morales on our students.

You could get into some measure of trouble over this....

[sgaestel]

I understand your concern, but be cautious.

As teachers we do not have the right or the responsibility to impose our own judgements and morales on our students.

You could get into some measure of trouble over this....

I am going to talk with my principal before I do anything, but trouble or not... I feel it is my obligation to society to try to do everything I can to help this girl. And by help this girl, I mean wake her up and make her realize that this is wrong.

If I get into trouble, so be it...I can not in good conscience let this go.

[Spectre]

If I get into trouble, so be it...I can not in good conscience let this go.

And sometimes you gotta do that. I have, before. it's no fun.;)

[dangercat]

I am going to talk with my principal before I do anything, but trouble or not... I feel it is my obligation to society to try to do everything I can to help this girl. And by help this girl, I mean wake her up and make her realize that this is wrong.

If I get into trouble, so be it...I can not in good conscience let this go.

I agree with talking with the principle. If you are having the students turn in a rought draft before turing in the final I would also take this with you. You are being cautious, but in the world we live in it is better to be cautious then to believe everthing will work out in the end.

[akb]

I have a similar story of my own to share: (maybe to give some insight as to why you are upset)
In my first year teaching, I gave a similar research paper for my senior students. The topic wasn't my choice, but that of the department. I had a student choose abortion, and she was pro life. Regardless of my opinion or abortion, I was reluctant to grade anything she handed in related to the paper, because I felt that my grading or comments might cause problems or get me into trouble because of the controversial nature of her topic, even if they were directed to the writing and the specific component of the project as the kids turned it in phase by phase. So, I went to a senior colleague and she helped me grade each part of the assignment, including the final paper. I gave the class the freedom to choose what they wanted to write about (because I had to), so I had to live with what they chose. I think what I was so upset about was that I felt like I was walking on egg shells not wanting to offend the student or get myself into trouble as a first year teacher.
A few things:
1. Treat her as any other student. She must adhere to the rubric or list of requirements for her research paper. As you said, it is not as opinion paper, and if she writes based on her own opinion, she cannot possibly satisfy the requirements and will not get a good grade.
2. However, she could base her research on the opinion of other people who think as she does. I am sure that she could probably find as many reserach docments stating that this group has had a positive influence on American society as you and I could find stating that they have had a negative one...
3. As a teacher, I feel a social responsibility to my students and to society to produce productive members of society who can think for themselves. You have to let her think for herself too, even if you personally disagree. Since you obviously feel that something is not right and that there has been a change in her for some reason, refer her to a guidance counselor. It is their job to deal with this sort of thing.
4. Even though we live in 2008, there are still some people who are racist and will continue to be and that is not something you can control.

[sgaestel]

I have a similar story of my own to share: (maybe to give some insight as to why you are upset)
In my first year teaching, I gave a similar research paper for my senior students. The topic wasn't my choice, but that of the department. I had a student choose abortion, and she was pro life. Regardless of my opinion or abortion, I was reluctant to grade anything she handed in related to the paper, because I felt that my grading or comments might cause problems or get me into trouble because of the controversial nature of her topic, even if they were directed to the writing and the specific component of the project as the kids turned it in phase by phase. So, I went to a senior colleague and she helped me grade each part of the assignment, including the final paper. I gave the class the freedom to choose what they wanted to write about (because I had to), so I had to live with what they chose. I think what I was so upset about was that I felt like I was walking on egg shells not wanting to offend the student or get myself into trouble as a first year teacher.
A few things:
1. Treat her as any other student. She must adhere to the rubric or list of requirements for her research paper. As you said, it is not as opinion paper, and if she writes based on her own opinion, she cannot possibly satisfy the requirements and will not get a good grade.
2. However, she could base her research on the opinion of other people who think as she does. I am sure that she could probably find as many reserach docments stating that this group has had a positive influence on American society as you and I could find stating that they have had a negative one...
3. As a teacher, I feel a social responsibility to my students and to society to produce productive members of society who can think for themselves. You have to let her think for herself too, even if you personally disagree. Since you obviously feel that something is not right and that there has been a change in her for some reason, refer her to a guidance counselor. It is their job to deal with this sort of thing.
4. Even though we live in 2008, there are still some people who are racist and will continue to be and that is not something you can control.

Thanks for your post, it is nice to see what someone else did in this situation.
I am going to wait to go to a counselor, until I get her paper, because after meeting with her today, I think she write this as a research paper only.
We'll see. I definitely think her interest in the matter is concerning... I fear she shows interest because it is something she believes.
I could be wrong, but the comment she made in class made me worry. I did get with my department chair to get a grading rubric, and will follow it to a tee. I'll keep ya'll posted!

[sgaestel]

I get the papers tomorrow. I will be grading them over spring break (3/21-3/31) I'll let ya'll know how "the paper" is!

[sgaestel]

Update: I have not read the paper yet, but my class was working in groups yesterday to write their own Declaration of Independence. Said student's partner approached me and asked if the student was racist. Apparently, she had made some comments that didn't sit well with her partner.
I went to the guidance counselor today and spoke with her, and she said she would talk to the student...I am going to leave it at that.

[busbus]

Update: I have not read the paper yet, but my class was working in groups yesterday to write their own Declaration of Independence. Said student's partner approached me and asked if the student was racist. Apparently, she had made some comments that didn't sit well with her partner.
I went to the guidance counselor today and spoke with her, and she said she would talk to the student...I am going to leave it at that.

This young person has a serious problem. It might be more than what the counselor can handle. Your instincts seem to have been on target. Are you going to share the paper with the guidance counselor after you read it and it is what you suspected?

As our country changes in demographics, people are going to have to make some serious decisions about their attitudes about race.

[dangercat]

Update: I have not read the paper yet, but my class was working in groups yesterday to write their own Declaration of Independence. Said student's partner approached me and asked if the student was racist. Apparently, she had made some comments that didn't sit well with her partner.
I went to the guidance counselor today and spoke with her, and she said she would talk to the student...I am going to leave it at that.

I think that the part that disturbs me is that her beliefs are impacting the work with other students. I hope that with guidance that it can be smoothed out.

I had to write a paper for a class that was on "white privledge" and found myself revolted by the subject and unable to look at it as just a research paper. The teacher choose the subjects for us. I was quite ill by the end of the project. The teacher talked to me after reading my paper and told me to rewrite it, but to try and ignore how I really felt and look objectively at the topic. It was very had to do, but I ended up with a B on the paper because I did seperate myself from the topic.

[sgaestel]

This young person has a serious problem. It might be more than what the counselor can handle. Your instincts seem to have been on target. Are you going to share the paper with the guidance counselor after you read it and it is what you suspected?

As our country changes in demographics, people are going to have to make some serious decisions about their attitudes about race.

I will read the paper and then decide what to do with it. It may be necessary for us to keep it in a file or something in case the issue arises again. The unfortunate thing is the child has a right to her own beliefs. The counselor told me she is just going to let the student know that beliefs like this are not appropriate to express in a school environment.

I, on the other hand, want to shake her and tell her she's got to wake up! This is why I am letting the counselor tackle the issue. I do hope to somehow open her eyes throughout the remainder of the course...in a quieter way than previously mentioned, of course.

[dangercat]

I will read the paper and then decide what to do with it. It may be necessary for us to keep it in a file or something in case the issue arises again. The unfortunate thing is the child has a right to her own beliefs. The counselor told me she is just going to let the student know that beliefs like this are not appropriate to express in a school environment.

I, on the other hand, want to shake her and tell her she's got to wake up! This is why I am letting the counselor tackle the issue. I do hope to somehow open her eyes throughout the remainder of the course...in a quieter way than previously mentioned, of course.

I wish you all the luck.

Brook

[busbus]

I will read the paper and then decide what to do with it. It may be necessary for us to keep it in a file or something in case the issue arises again. The unfortunate thing is the child has a right to her own beliefs. The counselor told me she is just going to let the student know that beliefs like this are not appropriate to express in a school environment.

I, on the other hand, want to shake her and tell her she's got to wake up! This is why I am letting the counselor tackle the issue. I do hope to somehow open her eyes throughout the remainder of the course...in a quieter way than previously mentioned, of course.

Thanks for responding. I agree with you on all counts. I'm glad that you have decided to handle this in a quiet way. Hopefully, this will work out.

Good luck to you.

[hot_teacher]

I would definitely go to administration about this before you talk to the student again.

[sgaestel]

UPDATE:
I read the paper...it had NO citations! NONE! So, it was plagerized.
I know she took things from sources, but the paper was given back to her.
She has until Friday to fix it and turn it in, or it will be a zero.

[sgaestel]

So, I returned the paper last week to the student. After she added the proper citations, I read the paper and found that it was REALLY plagerized. She copied information word for word from a source, and I located the source she copied from. (She tried to be slick and not add that source to the works cited page...but Google is a wonderful search engine!) So she actually did receive a zero. I called and notified the mother, who requested a copy of the paper, which she received, along with the noted paragraphs that were word for word, the name of the book, author of the book, and web link I found the information on. I also notified my principal and AP about the situation and gave the principal a copy of the paper.
Then the student did her presentation on the paper, it was awful. By awful, I mean there were extremely inappropriate pictures on the presentation, I actually had to ask her to go to the next slide at one time. She got an 88 on the presentation, I thought I was being generous.
When I contacted the mother about the paper, I offered a conference to go over the sections that were plagerized. She said she could not come out to the school.
I just got an email from my AP saying the father came in about the paper, and feels she got a bad grade because I expressed concern about the topic, I SO saw this coming.
My AP let me know about his concerns, and I am to call the father Monday morning. A conference may be in the works, but my AP said to let her know, because she wants to be there.
GEEZ! It's the end of the year...I am so irritated right now with this situation, because I should have just told the kid they could not do the paper on this topic. I'll keep ya'll updated as the drama unfolds.

[smithmt]

My junior English students are writing research papers. They are allowed to choose anything to write about (not my decision), I am making them choose something that affected American society (my upper levels have to do an author).
One girl in my class choose the KKK. I should have seen a red flag at this, but I didn't. In helping her with a thesis statement, I begin to get the impression that she choose this topic because she AGREES with the midset of this group.
I was proven correct yesterday, when my class began discussing a shooting of an interracial couple at a Walmart. She stated something like, "the shooter was right in what he did." I immediately ended the conversation, and when checking students outlines one by one told her at my desk she and I needed to have a conversation.
I had this child last semester and never got any of this from her. She was sweet in class and never expressed these viewpoints. That class also had a lot less freedom( it was a repeater ENG I class, this is a junior English class).
I feel it is my OBLIGATION to sit down with this child, and speak to her about this. If these are views she is looking into, or agreeing with...she has got to have her eyes opened.
I know the girl enjoys my class and respects me, now I just have to figure out a way to deal with this situation. It is not a matter of IF I will take action, simply HOW to do it.
I can not, in good conscience, let this one go.
Any suggestions?

I haven't read any of the other posts yet, but I had a child who exhibited this attitude. What's going on at home? My child was the product of a split home and he had survived childhood leukemia, so mom didn't discipline well and dad would constantly disappoint him by saying they'd hang out, but then not. He behaved in a manner to distance himself from his peers, such as his speech: My dearest relationship is with Satan.

I've now read your last post about what has happened so far.
I highly encourage you to ask questions about the topic, and be open with mom, that regardless of weather you agree with the topic her daughter chose or not, plagiarism is plagiarism and if she were to turn that same paper in to a prof, she would not only have received a zero, she would have been booted from the school and had a letter put in her file for any other institution she wanted to attend. and that alone negates the fact that her topic was inappropriate and disrespectful!

This is from USconstitution.net (http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_stud.html)

The Supreme Court said in Tinker that "[If] conduct by the student, in class or out of it, which for any reason - whether it stems from time, place, or type of behavior - materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others is, of course, not immunized by the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech." This is the hinge upon which many cases turn when a school violates a student's free speech protections

By Tinker, they mean Tinker v Des Moines
which, by promoting a view that is not only offensive, but actually calls for harm to be done to any non-White Christian, they are invading those others' Fourth Amendment right which says:


The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

please note that secure in there persons includes the right to be:

Not offended
Not assaulted


I know this is basic stuff that we all have locked away, but bringing up the exact wording with parents seems to make them shut-up and quit worrying about how I might be squashing their kid's right to free speech, and start worrying about other parents suing them for infringement on the rights of their children.

good luck
-Matt

[Boxcar]

I just found this thread, and I think it is very interesting to consider. I spend a lot of time trying to promote acceptance. It is interesting how the idea that "We are all alike - deep inside." has turned to "We are all different, and that is okay. Different just like others." I think the second idea is a good one. If my student points out that Child X talks with an accent, I don't shush him. I explain what an accent is and acknowledge that we all have our own ways of speaking. The same thing goes for abilites, ethnicities, races, ect.

[smithmt]

I just found this thread, and I think it is very interesting to consider. I spend a lot of time trying to promote acceptance. It is interesting how the idea that "We are all alike - deep inside." has turned to "We are all different, and that is okay. Different just like others." I think the second idea is a good one. If my student points out that Child X talks with an accent, I don't shush him. I explain what an accent is and acknowledge that we all have our own ways of speaking. The same thing goes for abilites, ethnicities, races, ect.

I want to be unique, like everyone else!

[Boxcar]

Oh... You're unique all right... ;)

[kjem]

I, on the other hand, want to shake her and tell her she's got to wake up! This is why I am letting the counselor tackle the issue. I do hope to somehow open her eyes throughout the remainder of the course...in a quieter way than previously mentioned, of course.

Freshman year in high school, we were assigned two persuasive speeches. The first one to sign up for a topic got it, but you got to brainstorm your own (blank piece of paper, but if you saw your topic up there already, you had to pick another one). I chose abortion and the death penalty. I would have been extremely offended if my teacher had told me my opinions were wrong, as the assignment was to pick a controversial subject. It sounds like this assignment encourage the picking of a heavy, deep topic, which your student did. Just because you don't agree with her views is no reason to go crazy. She is developing her reasoning skills, probably looking deeper into an issue she's only ever heard surface information about and trying to own it in the best way for her. It may not be the best way for you, but until she starts breaking the law with it, you need to let her explore and do her thing. She will probably change her mind about the whole thing after a while-I have since changed my views on my abortion speech, and now sit on the fence with the death penalty. But I had to get there in my own time, with my own experiences, and without adults telling me I was wrong. I find this whole attitude of 'we know best' so disturbing.

The plagiarism was inexcusable, but the topic was not something to go so crazy about. It very well could have been a shock tactic on her part as well. She obviously didn't care as deeply as you thought if she plagiarized, and her casual statements to classmates about shocking thoughts/displaying shocking pictures points to exploring reactions from society with this topic.

[sgaestel]

Freshman year in high school, we were assigned two persuasive speeches. The first one to sign up for a topic got it, but you got to brainstorm your own (blank piece of paper, but if you saw your topic up there already, you had to pick another one). I chose abortion and the death penalty. I would have been extremely offended if my teacher had told me my opinions were wrong, as the assignment was to pick a controversial subject. It sounds like this assignment encourage the picking of a heavy, deep topic, which your student did. Just because you don't agree with her views is no reason to go crazy. She is developing her reasoning skills, probably looking deeper into an issue she's only ever heard surface information about and trying to own it in the best way for her. It may not be the best way for you, but until she starts breaking the law with it, you need to let her explore and do her thing. She will probably change her mind about the whole thing after a while-I have since changed my views on my abortion speech, and now sit on the fence with the death penalty. But I had to get there in my own time, with my own experiences, and without adults telling me I was wrong. I find this whole attitude of 'we know best' so disturbing.

The plagiarism was inexcusable, but the topic was not something to go so crazy about. It very well could have been a shock tactic on her part as well. She obviously didn't care as deeply as you thought if she plagiarized, and her casual statements to classmates about shocking thoughts/displaying shocking pictures points to exploring reactions from society with this topic.

Actually, the topic is to pick something that affected American society. There was also a list of topics that were not as controversial to choose from, or the class could choose an author.
I did not create the topic and the way it was to be chosen. I had to abide by what the school had done in the past. In my college prep class, the students had to do American authors. There were no issues in that class.
Any student I have who expresses thoughts or words that represent hate will be corrected quickly. I believe that is teaching the students how to become tolerent of a very diverse world. Obviously, some of these students do not get that at home.
The research paper assignment was by no means a controversial one, the student chose to make it so, and unfortunately did it in an offensive way.
When it comes to thoughts and ideals like this...I feel as though I do know better than those who hold them. Perhaps the experience will wake her up to the world. Who knows? But I will never be complacent when it comes to hate and these types of ideals. It's not in my nature. I think that is a good thing for education.

[sgaestel]

I submitted grades today. Student in question had a 69 (failing). We are not allowed to give a 69, it is up to the teacher as to whether the student gets a 68 or a 70. The student, although I completely disagree with her ideals, and was furious when she put pictures in her presentation that I specifically said not to, still did a presentation after knowing she got a zero on her paper, and continued to do her work in class and be respectful in class.
She got a 70 and passed the class. I gave her the extra point because:
1. I do not believe in taking a point away from a student.
2. She did display some positive actions in continuing to do her work and participate in class.

[wig]

Freshman year in high school, we were assigned two persuasive speeches. The first one to sign up for a topic got it, but you got to brainstorm your own (blank piece of paper, but if you saw your topic up there already, you had to pick another one). I chose abortion and the death penalty. I would have been extremely offended if my teacher had told me my opinions were wrong, as the assignment was to pick a controversial subject. It sounds like this assignment encourage the picking of a heavy, deep topic, which your student did. Just because you don't agree with her views is no reason to go crazy. She is developing her reasoning skills, probably looking deeper into an issue she's only ever heard surface information about and trying to own it in the best way for her. It may not be the best way for you, but until she starts breaking the law with it, you need to let her explore and do her thing. She will probably change her mind about the whole thing after a while-I have since changed my views on my abortion speech, and now sit on the fence with the death penalty. But I had to get there in my own time, with my own experiences, and without adults telling me I was wrong. I find this whole attitude of 'we know best' so disturbing.

The plagiarism was inexcusable, but the topic was not something to go so crazy about. It very well could have been a shock tactic on her part as well. She obviously didn't care as deeply as you thought if she plagiarized, and her casual statements to classmates about shocking thoughts/displaying shocking pictures points to exploring reactions from society with this topic.

I saw nothing to suggest that sgaestel went "crazy" over the choice of topics. It was a research paper and certainly the Ku Klux Klan was something that did and does affect American society. I do not believe sgaestel was concerned about the topic at all.

However, it should be a source of concern when a student expresses an opinion that supports hatred, causing harm to others, etc. Making administration aware of this was appropriate and since the parents now have a copy of the paper, they too are aware of it.

In addition, the teacher always has the right and responsibility to stop any discussion that creates a disturbance in the classroom, whether it be about sports or hatred.

It was a research paper - not an opinion paper. Even if her thesis statement indicated that it had a positive impact on society, it still would have been necessary to find credible sources to support her statement. Had she found such sources to support it, it would have also included something showing others about the impact of hate crimes in America and learning how to address them. Obviously, this student chose to use this assignment as a platform for stating her opinion. Her research included only something that supported her opinion and was not unbiased. (Not to mention the obvious plagairism).

Just an added note: You used the term "crazy" about sgaestel twice. The following are definitions of the word "crazy", although the second definition is probably closest to what you meant.

# brainsick: affected with madness or insanity;
# foolish; totally unsound;
# someone deranged and possibly dangerous

I am sure you did not intend to imply that sgaestel was any of the above, but it does seem to imply that you do not believe she put any thought into her rationale or feelings about the situation. I would disagree.

sgaestel: You were more than generous to give the student a 70%.

[Clix]

I had a student this past term who plagiarized a major paper and went on to make a C for the quarter. Part of me was mad that he passed, another part of me was mad that he waited until after getting the zero on the paper to do work that showed what he was capable of, and another part of me was simply offended at the apparent thought that I didn't know how to use Google!

UGH.

[silvana]

food for thought.....there are very few original ideas.....the majority of ideas which changed the world started out as someone elses unilateral wet dream........I guess someone who took anothers ideas and rewrote them in their style is marginally better than someone who took them word for word......creativity is something else....

[Boxcar]

I actually tried to explain that to a college professor, but she just didn't get it...

[Clix]

Newton referred to it as "standing on the shoulders of giants," IIRC.

[bf551]

Read with interest the numerous comments on this topic. All of us can understand the problem with plagiarism and students. I have trouble understanding why you became so upset with the topic selection with out first reading the research paper. You did give them freedom to pick a topic. I also would try to elicit from the student why she felt the way she did before I rushed to the conclusion that she was racist and was preparing some type of hate speech. Sounds like it worked out for you and hopefully the student will learn to do better research and support the facts and perhaps even change her views. Your situation is not much different than then we all face at different times in assigning work or establishing rules. We are all faced with the unexpected and the question is how do we respond.

[biochem]

GEEZ! It's the end of the year...I am so irritated right now with this situation, because I should have just told the kid they could not do the paper on this topic. I'll keep ya'll updated as the drama unfolds.

I'll bet that no matter what subject she chose, the report would still be plagiarized. Plagiarism is a huge problem across the country and you need to be ready for a fight from the parent(s) when it happens.

You're concerned with helping the student with regard to her view on this topic? This concern is being used against you to defend her.

[dtrim]

I just have to weigh in.

I'm a free speech nut. I used to advise a school newspaper. I owe my career to the Student Press Law Center and I used to sleep with their Law of the Student Press under my pillow.

Let me tell you, proving that speech or expression will disrupt before the disruption actually occurs is very, very difficult. There was a case in which two girls were going to attend prom together in tuxedos. The principal forbid them to do so because he thought other kids would pick on them and cause a disruption.

It turns out that the courts said he couldn't repress the girls' freedom of expression because he thought something might happen. The ruling said that the principal essentially took away the girls' rights while giving a nod to a possible mob who might cause injury.

As far as touchy topics like racism and the KKK go, my advice would have been to allow the girl to write the paper (which she did). Teens need experience dealing with the uncomfortable, the unconventional, and the unpleasant. What better place for them to learn how to deal with it than in the relatively controlled environment of the classroom and the school? It's a great place to explore, experiment, and make mistakes because kids have so many talented teachers to advise them.

This was a very teachable moment. How should the student treat this topic fairly? How can she truly make the research paper expository? What responsibilities does she have to her audience when she researches this topic?

"It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." - Justice Abe Fortas, Tinker v. Des Moines School District

It's our amazing task to teach kids rights alongside responsibilities: what we can do and what we shoud do.

Free speech is a mighty thing. We all should respect it and teach kids to wield it wisely.

Best wishes,

Diane

[Boxcar]

On a very basic level, I face issues of rights even with the little ones. They are a right to not share and play alone or in a small group. Yet, I want to teach them to share and to be accepting of others. What do I do if a group is repeatedly and aggressively excluding a peer. I don't want to tell the children "You can't say 'You can't play.'". However, I don't want to let them hurt that child either. That is not protect that child's rights to a secure learning enviroment. It is not promoting the social skills these children have a right to learn.

[bf551]

You make a good point. Some missing information which I think is important to the discuss is what is the ethnicity of the teacher and the student. Do we have a biased from this angle?

[landreth2007]

Aren't we, as educators, required to report anything that demonstrates hate to a specific group? At the very least the school counselor should be notified about your concerns. It is all good and well to discuss what should be done but what are the current legal ramifications?

[silvana]

sometimes life just comes up and demands a response...in my class I had been beating around the bush with some issues of tolerance....then one day an incident occurred ...not serious in itself but I could see where it might lead so I stepped in and without naming names or mentioning the incident I told my whole class that it was unacceptable ....prevention is so much better than cure...sometimes children need a little nudge back on track

[JBBallard]

The problem you're going to readily meet here is one of upbringing. While teachers spend more time with students than many parents do in a typical day, we are always faced with the fact that our students enter our classrooms with predispositions and ideals. You're right in your assessment that this assignment has the possibility of spiraling out of control quickly. Obviously this young lady has been raised to believe that people should be judged by the color of their skin, and because this is 2008, this sounds even more backwards to us. While I agree that you should do your best to educate this young lady, don't be too surprised if you are met with resistance. Remember that she has been raised to believe that she's right and the rest of the tolerant world is wrong.

I have to wonder why you had no say in what your students were to research for this assignment. Many English teachers are required to have their students write research papers, but this is the first time I've heard of not being able to limit students on what they can and cannot research.