Editor, Times-Union: On February 21, 2000, a letter to the editor appeared from a WCHS junior, Maha Ibrahim. Maha wrote an eloquent apology for some inappropriate comments she made to a group of eighth-grade students during the freshman orientation which was held on February 10.
Maha is a student council representative who was acting in the capacity of tour guide and also as a representative of WCHS. As a result of her comments, some of the parents of students in her group contacted the administration and complained. On March 10, 2000, 29 days after the incident occurred, Maha learned her punishment. She has been removed from student council for the remainder of this year and is not allowed to run for office for next year, her senior year. She has, in effect, been banned from student council for the rest of her high school career.
On February 22, a letter was printed from Jewel Craft. One of the points her letter makes is that at least one teacher has been known to swear at students and then deny it when questioned about it. I have a child who is a student also, and has a teacher who has not only sworn in class, but has also discussed their sex life during class!
What is the difference in these two situations?
My opinion is that Maha's case is another example of the punishment being too severe and inconsistent. In the summer of 1999, other student council representatives were caught drinking and the punishment was community service and a six-month suspension!
Maha is the type of student who should be involved in leadership. She is intelligent, articulate and a motivator. She truly feels responsible for her school. She has shown remorse for the off-handed, inappropriate remarks that she made. She has made a public apology and she is truly distraught over the decision of the administration. I cannot believe that the parents of the affected students really wanted this to happen.
Once again, parents, teachers and administrators need to look at the lessons that these arbitrary, too-harsh punishments are sending to our children. ... one strike and you're out!
Laura Parker Winona Lake via e-mail
Red Lights
Editor, Times-Union: This letter is to address the problem of people running red lights in and around Warsaw, especially on U.S. 30 and Ind. 15N. Please note I said people, not just truckers.
The problem seems to be getting worse, and one suggestion I would like to make is for the police to patrol heavier in these areas and to stop and ticket everyone caught running red lights, whether it be truckers or whomever. Getting there a few seconds sooner is not worth risking a life.
Also if someone runs a red light and causes serious injury or death, they need to be prosecuted. Eventually Warsaw may get a reputation like Columbia City, Kokomo and some of the other towns around us, and be a safer place to drive. The word does get around, and may save lives.
Bernice Smith Warsaw
Memorial Dinner Success
Editor, Times-Union: On behalf of Elks 802, I would like to extend my appreciation and heart-warmed thanks to all the people who made the Jason Beal Child Memorial Fund Dinner a success. Through the efforts of many people, we were able to raise $2,500 for Emily and Jason's future son. Special thanks to area firefighters, Warsaw Police Department, Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police.
