Editor, The News:
Re: Pitt teacher served his penalty (Letters, Nov. 8).
As Brian Geary questions the integrity of journalists and news media, he inadvertently defends the numerous questionable actions of a person entrusted to educate our children.
He states, “the teacher is a member of our small community” and “ this teacher will have to live and work with a tainted reputation for several years to come.”
One doesn’t have to go to school to know that this is what’s known as consequences for your actions.
Part of being a professional is knowing what is and what isn’t appropriate.
Being a professional carries the weight of responsibility and accountability.
If a teacher feels they must look at pornography, then it must be obvious that they do not exercise that on school property.
If this same teacher also gives students rides in his car without proper authorization, among other infractions, then as a taxpayer and parent, I sure as hell want to know, and have the right to know, who this teacher is. Then I can decide if that teacher is the kind I want to send my children to each day.
“Should we publicly decry the professional conduct of all professions that come in contact with children? Shop keepers? Journalists? Where should it end?”
It should begin with adults we entrust with the confidence of our children. That much should be clear.
That is the matter at hand. Not molly coddling so-called professionals at the expense of our children.
I hope that clears things up a bit.
Grant Baker
Maple Ridge
