The Globe’s Ellen Ishkanian is reporting that an exchange program between Newton and a school in China will continue, following a conference call this week between
Beijing Jingshan School officials and Newton Superintendent of Schools David Fleishman.
Fleishman said Beijing Jingshan’s principal, Fan Luyan, understands that “this is an isolated incident by one student.”
Hopefully this will be the last of the saga of the unapologetic Newton North exchange student Henry DeGroot who ruffled some feathers for writing prodemocracy phrases in a Chinese student’s notebook and who either does or doesn’t regret his actions, depending on which day DeGroot was interviewed.
I think you mean ‘relations intact’ but ‘relations in tact’ may be appropriate also. 😉
Excellent news. Now let’s all shut up about this kid and lower his profile.
Time to give this story a well deserved hook. But I have to say that I’m impressed by Beijing Jingshan’s principal Fan Luyan, or at least by his statements here. There’s been a lot of talk about who’s been really “cool” in all of this. I’d have to give the nod to this guy
Mr. Degroot may not recogize it, but he had avoided further humiliation by his refusing to take the train to deliver the second apology letter.
It is a typical tactic of the Chinese communist government to force their perceived offenders to write multiple self-criticisms until the the authority is satisfied. Often the offender is encouraged or forced to name others as the instigator.
It is an effective way to demoralize a person and in breaking his will.
Had Mr. Degroot taken the train to the school, he would find a surprise waiting for him. Instead of just delivering the letter, he would be ushered into the school auditorium and made to read his letter in front of the entire school.
Why does Mr. Fan, the Beijing school principal suggests having younger students to attend his school in the future ? It is precisely so he can subject them to his control as it is so much easier to brainwash the younger students.