Support Education by Causing Some “Good and Necessary Trouble”

As school districts continue to determine the direction of the upcoming school year, the following quote reveals more than any of the posts, news reports, testimonies, or speeches I have encountered. The superintendent’s response raises concerns, both about if schools should open and, if they open, how will expectations be enforced.

“In a letter to the community, Superintendent Brian Otott said the photo was taken out of context (1) writing: “Class changes at the high school level are a challenge (2) when maintaining a specific schedule (3). It is an area we are continuing to work on in this new environment to find practicable ways to further limit students from congregating (4). Students are in this hallway environment for just a brief period (5) as they move to their next class. … There is no question that the photo does not look good (6) … Wearing a mask is a personal choice, (7) and there is no practical way to enforce a mandate to wear them. (8)” — CNN News, August 7, 2020

Take a moment to investigate Brian Otott’s comments.

(1) How is the picture taken out of context? It reflects facts. Secondary school students do not remain in a single classroom throughout the day. Typically, every hour to hour and a half, a bell rings that releases students. Hundreds of students move in mass, through channels approximately 20 feet wide lined with lockers.

(2) Without COVID, class changes consistently provide the most unsupervised time during the school day. These few minutes pose the greatest threats for bullying, fights, confrontations and rule breaking and now, increased opportunities for infection.

(3) The restraints of the virus require the school environment be reexamined from a perspective of safety and health. As long as administrators continue “maintaining a specific schedule” the threats remain. If there was ever a time to think outside the box, the time is now — before the schools reopen — if it is not already to late.

(4) When the superintendent discloses that work continues to solve issues, he admits to problems. School change often is described as working on a plane in flight. Adjustments are continual. However, experimenting with change with students present, ultimately will result in a crash and burn situation. Possibly, causing insurmountable harm and death.

(5) Passing period between classes are short intervals, 4–5 minutes. However, to my knowledge, no research has been published that states exposure for short period of time is safe.

(6) “There is no question that the photo does not look good,” can be translated, “Shit! We have been caught in our incompetence.”

(7) When students are provided the choice to wear masks, adults are abdicating their responsibility. Simply because the task is too difficult or a decision is unpopular shouldn’t be the rationale to not do what is right. Whatever happened to the belief adults know best?

(8) Finally, Otott’s admission, “there is no practical way to enforce a mandate to wear them [masks]” defines our reality. Let’s just admit the obvious. If masks can’t be mandated and enforced anywhere else in the United States, why do we think we can expect students to wear masks?

Superintendent’s Otott statement, is quoted in an article titled, “Georgia student suspended after posting a photo of a crowded school hallway says it was ‘good and necessary trouble’.”

Hannah Watters’ behavior of sharing the image provides an example of the strong education she has received at North Paulding High School in Dallas, Georgia. She understands the value of civil disobedience, advocates for herself and fellow peers, and supports her actions with a historical quote by Rep. John Lewis.

At least following Lewis’ advice, she did not get beaten, she was only suspended.

Maybe we should follow Hannah’s lead and stand up for what is correct to promote “good and necessary trouble.”