AN OPEN LETTER TO STUDENTS IN THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF THE SCRANTON DIOCESE
Dear Students,
As you know, we your teachers have refrained from discussing with you the current dispute between our teachers’ union and the Diocesan officials in charge of our schools. However, we now must break with that policy to speak to you from the heart about what we hope you will understand is an indication of our concern for you and your future.
First, our teachers regret that circumstances have forced us to begin a series of events that disrupt the progress of the educational system. Although critics will charge that such actions can never be justified, we want you to know that we do this as a measure of last resort. Moreover, the methods we have, and will continue to employ in the short run, will ensure that only some of you will be affected, and only for a short period of time. Although regrettable, we believe our actions are justified because the ideals of justice and dignity are at stake for our teachers. Moreover, in addition, we feel the future of Catholic education for all who follow you will be detrimentally affected, should our union lose its current standing in the schools.
We have and will continue to make the case to your parents that our union, throughout its thirty-year history, has fought for conditions that would make for the best educational climate possible, as well as one that would guarantee all a very high-quality and affordable Catholic education. We cannot abandon such a cause without first trying to convince those who oppose us using whatever means are available. The absolute last option in that process is the withholding of our labor.
We want to thank those of you have embraced our cause as yours. We are moved by your courage and conviction. To those of you who have said you love your teachers, we know that was the case long before this crisis ever arose. We feel the same way about you. With that said, we ask that you honor that concern by heeding the advice we give.
As our campaign continues, we ask that henceforth none of you disobey the administrations’ of your schools and leave your buildings during school time. Even an “orderly” demonstration involves the risk of injury to someone. As you know, we are always concerned about your safety. Moreover, such actions constitute a further disruption of the educational process. At this point in your lives, nothing is more important than your education. We know that you don’t live in a vacuum, and that you are very much aware of the events around you, but we implore you, to stay in your classes.
Finally, should those of you of an older age (and only after discussion with and approval by your parents) wish to support the cause of your teachers, we would welcome such support at rallies, meetings, etc., which are held at times outside of school hours.
Again, we hope you will honor our request in this matter. God bless you and your families and thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers
As you know, we your teachers have refrained from discussing with you the current dispute between our teachers’ union and the Diocesan officials in charge of our schools. However, we now must break with that policy to speak to you from the heart about what we hope you will understand is an indication of our concern for you and your future.
First, our teachers regret that circumstances have forced us to begin a series of events that disrupt the progress of the educational system. Although critics will charge that such actions can never be justified, we want you to know that we do this as a measure of last resort. Moreover, the methods we have, and will continue to employ in the short run, will ensure that only some of you will be affected, and only for a short period of time. Although regrettable, we believe our actions are justified because the ideals of justice and dignity are at stake for our teachers. Moreover, in addition, we feel the future of Catholic education for all who follow you will be detrimentally affected, should our union lose its current standing in the schools.
We have and will continue to make the case to your parents that our union, throughout its thirty-year history, has fought for conditions that would make for the best educational climate possible, as well as one that would guarantee all a very high-quality and affordable Catholic education. We cannot abandon such a cause without first trying to convince those who oppose us using whatever means are available. The absolute last option in that process is the withholding of our labor.
We want to thank those of you have embraced our cause as yours. We are moved by your courage and conviction. To those of you who have said you love your teachers, we know that was the case long before this crisis ever arose. We feel the same way about you. With that said, we ask that you honor that concern by heeding the advice we give.
As our campaign continues, we ask that henceforth none of you disobey the administrations’ of your schools and leave your buildings during school time. Even an “orderly” demonstration involves the risk of injury to someone. As you know, we are always concerned about your safety. Moreover, such actions constitute a further disruption of the educational process. At this point in your lives, nothing is more important than your education. We know that you don’t live in a vacuum, and that you are very much aware of the events around you, but we implore you, to stay in your classes.
Finally, should those of you of an older age (and only after discussion with and approval by your parents) wish to support the cause of your teachers, we would welcome such support at rallies, meetings, etc., which are held at times outside of school hours.
Again, we hope you will honor our request in this matter. God bless you and your families and thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The members of the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers
posted by SDACT at
1:53 PM
1 Comments:
Dear Teachers of the SDACT,
As a student, I thank you for this touching letter and please know that we will continue to support the struggle for the union while respecting your advice. I am proud to have been educated by Catholic school teachers such as yourselves. I have never been more proud to be part of the Holy Redeemer family.
By
bc, At
March 3, 2008 at 8:12 PM
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