DEAR EDITOR:
I would like to thank the many community members, teachers,
students and their parents who called, e-mailed, and stopped me in
stores to offer your support for Alex.
DEAR EDITOR:
I would like to thank the many community members, teachers, students and their parents who called, e-mailed, and stopped me in stores to offer your support for Alex. I am truly overwhelmed that so many of you have experienced similar situations at this high school and with this administration. You have made me realize that this is not an isolated incident, and that you are all there for me and Alex anytime. I really don’t have words to truly express what this outpouring has meant to me. Just know that you are truly appreciated.
Last Friday I read Superintendent Edwin Diaz’s letter to the editor and I was truly saddened and disgusted. Perhaps Mr. Diaz should have waited until the full investigation was completed and reviewed prior to his need to “correct inaccurate factual assumptions and assuring the public that Gilroy Unified School District has implemented free speech policies consistent with California and federal law” Huh?! What exactly does that mean?
Mr. Diaz stated that he did not want to add fuel to the fire. He has added. I initially promised that this would not be a public battle – it’s a promise I can no longer keep.
Perhaps Mr. Diaz, you could have shortened your letter by immediately stating “a student dreamt up the entire thing – just for kicks” Your second sentence could have ended the letter by stating “no petitions, no signs, and no vests – in fact – as far as you are concerned – this student is non-existent”. End of letter. Oh, don’t forget to state “by law the district cannot and will not be honest and the district refuses to admit fault, but is willing to continue to spend taxpayers money to “conduct” an investigation and “some years later – pay a whole lot of money to settle” and don’t be alarmed this sort of stuff happens in every school district…just look at Morgan Hill’s school district – what’s the big deal?
So, let this parent set you straight. No columnist, or student, or parent accused the district of having inconsistent policies.
In fact, a parent and a student believe that the policies may be consistent, but there is not a doubt in my mind that those policies were not followed. This could be due to lack of training, or just lack of common sense. However, this parent now realizes this issue is not that simple – or is it?
The continuing defensiveness on the part of the school’s administration makes this parent wonder just what the school district trying to cover up.
Today, as I drove through McDonald’s to purchase a healthy salad for my son’s lunch I was handed a newspaper.
Apparently The Dispatch is given to patrons (for free) during lunchtime. Great idea! What a blessing for this parent.
You see I spent the past weekend in turmoil, reluctantly preparing myself for a long battle. There are logs to be found, old notes to be read, events to be recalled, people to respond to, meetings to attend – all on top of an already overloaded schedule.
In short, I overwhelmed and close to tears by the time I drove to my son’s school. As faith would have it, I opened the paper to the Opinion section. Lo and behold is a picture of my daughter within a letter written by a very courageous young man. I don’t know him, but his parents must be very proud of him. He took a remarkable stand today for a student and this parent will be forever grateful.
Christopher, I sat outside my son’s school and I cried. I cried and prayed and thanked God for people like you, and for giving you the courage to come forward.
For those other students who have come forward but would prefer to remain nameless – I am thankful for you, also.
Christopher just touched this parent on a day that felt so dark and dreary, and he gave me a new sense of hope. Thank you so much for not being afraid and for giving a parent and a student strength to carry on.
Shairon Williams, Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, Jan. 20 to ed****@****ic.com
