Guest Blog from Sam Ritter, College Freshman at Carleton College in MN:
While here at college in Minnesota, I learned some disturbing news from back home in Connecticut, the birthplace of Our Education. In Wilton, Connecticut, students’ rights are being trampled all over, in one of the most blatant cases of censorship in recent memory. As outlined in the New York Times article here, students were given the opportunity (by the school principal) to write a play about the current events in Iraq. Their result, an original composition that consisted of dramatic readings from books, interviews, and documentaries written by soldiers home from Iraq was nixed by the same principal for being unbalanced. After editing the play to reflect a more balanced opinion, the students were still unable to perform their play. You can find more information about the situation at a left-leaning Connecticut blog here.
The censorship of this play has (rightfully) sparked a fair amount of attention. Here is a blatant attempt by a school administrator to block his students’ access to an incredible learning opportunity. Not only have they been creative, they are making a statement: That they are students and that they care about what is going on in the world. Often, apathy reigns among high school students, and it’s appalling that school administrators would want to keep it this way.
What if the play did spark insightful discussion? What if there was a backlash and protests, possibly leading to a forum where students sat down and evaluated each other’s opinions? Wouldn’t that be great? Isn’t this the type of situation every administrator should cultivate?
In the end, this debate has little to do with the war. It has to do with more than the rights of students to approach current and controversial topics in schools. These Wilton students are being denied access to a legitimate educational opportunity, something epidemic in schools around the nation. Conflict can often be the best opportunity for growth and learning; the administration at Wilton High should shake off their fears of the straight and narrow and help their students understand the world around them.
While the recent “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” controversy is laced with ambiguity and legal grey area, this case seems to me to be much more clear. There is little threat of disruption; the administration has shown that it is more interested in creating a non-stimulating school environment than giving students opportunities. If people don’t agree, they don’t have to come. Or, they can come and join in the discussion. Of course there is bias in the play, but one of the other plays recently performed at the school was Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. What makes this play so different?
Even if (and when) the students are allowed to perform their play at another venue, it will not change the fact that the administration has stifled student rights. By voicing their opinions in a legitimate and original forum, the students of Wilton High School have demonstrated their commitment to meaningful education. I just wish their administration would listen. Lend these students your support at their webpage.
