Assignment Question
As the principal of a northeastern middle school, you get a call from a parent who is disturbed because he has heard a rumor that the student literary digest plans to publish a story with a sexual theme. The work is written by a middle school girl who became pregnant during the year and underwent an abortion. You ask for and receive a copy of the narrative. The girl’s story is actually a cautionary tale of young love that results in an unwanted pregnancy. The author details the abusive home life that led her to engage in an intimate relationship with another student, her pregnancy, her conflict with her parents, her decision to abort, and the emotional turmoil that the incident created. She tells students to use contraception if they are sexually active and recommends appropriate types of birth control. There is nothing provocative or sexually explicit in the work. Some teachers argue that girls should not be allowed to read this material, because it has sexual content from which they must be protected, and that in a sense it advocates defiance of parents. Also, some parents may object to a story about precocious sexuality because they fear it may encourage their children to experiment. Such behavior is linked to delinquency and drug abuse. Those who advocate publication believe that girls have a right to read about such important issues and decide on their own course of action. Writing Assignment Write a 1 page memo back to the complaining parent outlining your decision on whether you will allow the article to be published. Be sure to address legal and social issues. Do you believe that young people should be protected from such material? Is there any evidence that it would cause them damage? Elaborate and explain your reasoning using the chapter information in the textbook to reference and cite your answer. Text book link: https://ng.cengage.com/static/nb/ui/evo/index.html?deploymentId=50355625597745086872572346&eISBN=9781305640368&id=1857355645&snapshotId=3582922
Assignment Answer
Subject: Response to Concerns Regarding the Student Literary Digest Article
Dear [Parent’s Name],
I hope this memo finds you well. I want to express my gratitude for reaching out to discuss your concerns regarding the upcoming publication of an article in the Student Literary Digest, written by a middle school student. I have carefully reviewed the material in question and considered the legal and social issues surrounding it. I will address your concerns and provide my rationale for the decision.
First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that the story in question does not contain explicit or provocative sexual content. Instead, it presents a cautionary tale of young love, an unwanted pregnancy, and the emotional turmoil that ensued. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of contraception for sexually active individuals, encouraging responsible decision-making. There is no intention to promote precocious sexuality or defiance of parents within the narrative.
In addressing the legal aspect, we must consider the principles of freedom of expression and the First Amendment rights of our students. Middle school students, like all citizens, have the right to express themselves through creative writing and storytelling. The narrative does not violate any legal standards for obscenity or explicit content. It is essential that we respect these rights and promote a learning environment that values free expression within the bounds of the law.
From a social perspective, it is important to acknowledge that young people today are exposed to a wide range of information and discussions, both in and outside of school. By providing them with a platform to explore complex and sensitive issues such as teenage pregnancy, we empower them to make informed decisions about their lives. This aligns with the educational goal of fostering critical thinking and responsible decision-making among our students.
Research and educational psychology studies indicate that shielding young people from real-life issues may not be the most effective approach. Instead, providing them with age-appropriate information and guidance allows them to develop the skills necessary to navigate the challenges they may encounter. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that exposure to such material would cause harm to students. In fact, open and honest discussions about topics like contraception and relationships can be beneficial in preventing risky behaviors.
In conclusion, I have decided to allow the publication of the article in the Student Literary Digest. I believe that our students have a right to explore important issues and make informed decisions for themselves. By providing a safe space for these discussions, we can contribute to their personal and social development while respecting their rights as individuals.
I understand that this decision may not align with everyone’s perspective, but I assure you that we will continue to monitor and provide guidance to our students as they engage with these topics. If you have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, and we can discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your understanding and support in our commitment to providing a well-rounded education for our students.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Principal
[School Name]
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is the publication of this article in the Student Literary Digest legally acceptable?
A1: Yes, the publication is legally acceptable as it does not contain explicit or obscene content and respects the First Amendment rights of our students.
Q2: How does allowing students to read such material benefit them socially and academically?
A2: Allowing students to explore real-life issues in a safe and educational context fosters critical thinking, responsible decision-making, and personal development, aligning with our educational goals.
Q3: What evidence supports the idea that exposing young people to topics like teenage pregnancy and contraception is beneficial?
A3: Research and educational psychology studies suggest that open and honest discussions about such topics can help prevent risky behaviors and empower students to make informed choices.
Q4: How do we ensure that sensitive material like this is handled responsibly and appropriately in the school environment?
A4: The school is committed to monitoring and providing guidance to students as they engage with sensitive topics, ensuring that discussions remain age-appropriate and respectful of individual rights.
Q5: How can parents address concerns if they still have reservations about the content?
A5: Parents are encouraged to engage in open dialogue with school administrators and teachers to discuss their concerns and seek clarification on the educational goals and content guidelines.
