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Readers Write for Wednesday, Aug. 19

August 19, 2009 at 10:35PM

STUDENT HARASSED

If this is public school, give her private, please

After reading Jon Tevlin's Aug. 18 column ("Really? This kind of justice isn't academic, it's nonsensical"), it's easy to understand why home-schooling and private schools are so popular. And public schools want more money?

KATE GALLIGHER, MINNEAPOLIS

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I find it hard to believe that the female teacher involved in the harassment case in the Anoka-Hennepin school was permitted to use sick leave during part of her token suspension. Was she on paid leave?

I assume that the teachers have tenure, so they are guaranteed due process. But they are not guaranteed wanton cruelty. If the school board does not hold a full investigation involving the teachers and the administration, it should be replaced at the next election. The slap on the hand received by these two insensitive teachers should not be swept aside, regardless of their perceived other achievements.

DANIEL R. KRUEGER, MINNEAPOLIS

BEATING ON TAPE

Complying with cops isn't a courtesy

A dangerous precedent will be set if people like Derryl Jenkins decide for themselves what they will do if stopped by the police ("Dolan to ask FBI to review beating," Aug. 18).

If an officer stops someone for speeding, is it all right for the driver to refuse to show his driver's license if he believes he wasn't speeding?

If citizens can decide what they will do or not do when stopped by the police, the officers' already dangerous job will be made even more so.

JIM WILSON, WAYZATA

SCHOOL CRITICS

If only Stewart could address their concerns

Minneapolis school board member Chris Stewart is fed up with critics of his failing school district ("Fed up with critics of public education," Aug. 18)? Citizens are fed up with inaction by public officials too arrogant to accept accountability.

There's an adage that says "Lead, follow or get out of the way." It's a real shame that Stewart can't direct his anger at fixing a very broken school district. It's time to get out of the way, Chris.

KYLE CHRISTENSEN, LAKEVILLE

HONORING EUNICE

Warrior for vulnerable -- born and unborn

Eunice Kennedy Shriver has been rightly lauded by the media for her lifelong concern for the least powerful and for founding the Special Olympics. Overlooked has been her prolife support for "Feminists for Life" as she recognized the humanity of the mentally challenged -- born and unborn. She used her unique status as executive vice president of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation to support solution-oriented programs such as "Community of Caring," a program focusing on health and nutrition for the pregnant teen, preparation for childbirth, development of parental skills and the importance of continuing in school and avoiding risk-taking behavior.

Our nation and the world has lost a champion of human rights. May she rest in peace.

MARY KAY RUFF, MAPLE GROVE

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Centerville, Minn., and Centerville, Mass., both in the news last week, highlight two different responses to the challenges and opportunities of living in community.

A group of residents from Centerville, Minn., instead of keeping open minds and calmly discussing a proposed home for four mentally or developmentally disabled teenagers, reacted out of fear and anger.

Meanwhile, in Centerville, Mass., Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder and champion of Special Olympics, was buried, leaving a legacy of inclusiveness, caring, generosity and transformation. Her daughter, Maria Schwarzenegger Shriver, said, "If she were here today ... she would pound this podium ... and ask each of you what you have done today to better the world."

NANCY JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS