The Globe’s Ellen Ishkanian reports on last night’s meeting with Day Middle School Parents, noting that principal Brian Turner “repeatedly acknowledged that he has lost the community’s faith and confidence, and said he is working to rebuild trust.”
After the meeting [Rabbi Eric Gurvis of Temple Shalom] he said had spoken by phone with Turner last week.
“He owned his mistake,” Gurvis said. “The guy’s heart is broken. He does get it.”
Principal “Turner said, he initially thought the words were too hurtful to be repeated and publicized.”
“In order to confront hate you need to mouth those words,” Gopen told Turner.
The first quote is a common problem among intelligent, tolerant liberals who, in their attempts to be thoughtful of others and PC, think refusing to talk about hate speech will protect victims and make it go away. It is difficult to acknowledge an evil act and say the words “burn the Jews.” It feels vile and, as a Day student said, awkward to discuss these things.
The second quote is the only way to be able to get close to a solution. We have to confront and expose actions that threaten anyone’s civil rights. We have to acknowledge them and deal with them out in the open.
I believe the reason given by Principal Turner but he was wrong in both his decision to do nothing and his reasons why.
I wonder if an additional designated person should be notified when these types of things happen so the principal would not be making the decisions alone about what needs to be reported further.
Principal “Turner said, he initially thought the words were too hurtful to be repeated and publicized.”
“In order to confront hate you need to mouth those words,” Gopen told Turner.
The first quote is a common problem among intelligent, tolerant liberals who, in their attempts to be thoughtful of others and PC, think refusing to talk about hate speech will protect victims and make it go away. It is difficult to acknowledge an evil act and say the words “burn the Jews.” It feels vile and, as a Day student said, awkward to discuss these things.
The second quote is the only way to be able to get close to a solution. We have to confront and expose actions that threaten anyone’s civil rights. We have to acknowledge them and deal with them out in the open.
I believe the reason given by Principal Turner but he was wrong in both his decision to do nothing and his reasons why.
I wonder if an additional designated person should be notified when these types of things happen so the principal would not be making the decisions alone about what needs to be reported further.
The point here is the Principal knew better and didn’t take action. The Newton School Committee has to show leadership and take some disciplinary action against Mr. Turner. There silence is disturbing.
The point here is the Principal knew better and didn’t take action. The Newton School Committee has to show leadership and take some disciplinary action against Mr. Turner. There silence is disturbing.