13 yr. old girl beat up by Texas schoolmates for anti-illegal homework sign...
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
April 9, 2008 1:39pm CST
Hello All,
Below is a shocking article out of Texas. I will present the entire article, because it is simply that unbelievable!
[i]"A 13-year-old East Texas girl claims 21 classmates attacked and beat her in response to a sign she made for a history class calling for an end to illegal immigration.
Melanie Bowers was among the eighth graders at Athens Middle School asked by history teacher Janet Skelton to make "protest signs" that dealt with a past issue and a current one, the Athens Daily Review reported.
Bowers' sign read: "If you love your nation, stop illegal immigration."
Friday, according to her father, J.R. Bowers, a group of students attacked her in a school hallway, slamming her head into a brick wall and scraping her face down the side of the wall, the Athens paper said.
The students then attempted to drag the girl into a restroom and threatened to "rape and kill" her, said her grandmother, Layne Wilhoite. The sign was torn up, according to her mother, Shera Bowers.
The 13-year-old later told Dallas/Fort Worth Fox TV affiliate KDFW she was not sexually assaulted but was punched, scratched and stabbed with a pen...." [/i]
[i]They picked me up, and they tried to put me in the boys' bathroom, and they said they were about to rape me," she said. "And I just started screaming and yelling, and I was, like, 'Leave me alone! Leave me alone! Leave me alone!'"
KDFW reported three Hispanic students are serving "in-school suspensions," and school officials are considering punishing two other students. The case is now in the hands of the school district's police department to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
J.R. Bowers said Melanie suffered scrapes and bruises and sought medical attention. He plans to keep his daughter out of school until the situation is resolved.
Melanie Bowers told KDFW flyers titled "brown pride," with her face crossed out, were passed out at school.
Her parents have contacted the FBI and want to open a federal hate crimes investigation, the TV station said.
"She's upset, first and foremost, because she didn't feel like she had any reason to be attacked," J.R. Bowers told the Associated Press. "She loves going to school. We're having to keep her out because we're scared for her."
Meanwhile, police are reviewing security video, and Superintendent Fred Hayes said the investigation continues. But he already has concluded the class project was not a good idea.
"Should we deal with illegal immigration? Absolutely," he told KDFW. "But not at a 13- and 14-year student level."
After the attack, said J.R. Bowers, his daughter tried to use the school office to call him, but Assistant Principal Mark Castleberry would not allow it, arguing it would "mess up the investigation."
Hayes acknowledged Castleberry should have let Bowers make the phone call, but he said the assistant principal looked over Melanie Bowers and "did not see anything wrong with her," the Athens Daily Review reported.
Shera Bowers, however, said her daughter was checked out by a paramedic Saturday, suffering a swollen face, various scratches and bruises.
"I'm upset that this happened to my daughter, and that she wasn't allowed to call us," she said.
J.R. Bowers said his daughter identified 21 students involved in the attack – 17 boys and four girls – by using a yearbook, the Athens paper reported.
Principal Louis DeRosa and Hayes acknowledge there was an incident, but they stopped short of saying the girl was assaulted. DeRosa says only a few students were involved.
"There was an incident in the hallway after lunch on Friday, April 4, between two or three students," DeRosa said in a statement. "We have a camera system in the building. We are collecting information and statements from witnesses. This is all the information we have at this time."[/i]
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.printable&pageId=61128
[b]My questions to you are:
1. What are your thoughts about this incident?
2. Is it reasonable that only three students are being punished with "in school" suspension, with a possible two others who may yet face school punishment?
3. Why doesn't the article identify whether the Hispanic students who are already being punished are in this country illegally, or whether they are American Citizens?
4. "Brown Pride" seems to have infiltrated our middle schools now. Should something be done to affect this racist belief system? If so, what? Any thoughts on how to 'nip this in the bud'?
5. Why was a teacher in a public school assigning students to make PROTEST FLYERS for History Class in the first place? Is this what our educational system has deteriorated to? Grrr!!!
Thanks All! I'm looking forward to your perspectives![/b]
11 people like this
21 responses
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
9 Apr 08
1... I think this girl had her civil rights violated and the school failed to provide adequate supervision and protection for her.
She was attacked for doing a classroom assignment and making a sign that reflected her political beliefs and ideals.
2... No, it is not reasonable. Every one of those students that she identified should be questioned extensively to find out for sure who was involved, and to determine criminal charges to be brought against those students.
The possible charges are serious and these kids are lucky they probably won't face them as adults, although they are adult crimes.
Assault and Battery... Assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm... Aggravated Assault... Attempted Rape... Attempted Murder ... Civil Rights violations .... Illegal Restraint, just to name a few of the possible charges.
The school faces several charges including the incident with Assistant Principal Mark Castleberry making a medical prognosis of the girl and not allowing her to contact her parents.
3... Unknown, however it may have to do with age... as well as some of the other reasons other poster have suggested. It also may be an attempt to defuse any possible backlash towards illegals or Hispanics by the public.
4... All of the "Pride" beliefs should be strongly discouraged as they are a major source of the Racism in America.
These groups emphasize our differences while trying to elevate ethnic groups. They keep our society fragmented, and as long as these groups are allowed to exist they prevent any possibility of cohesion among us. These groups guarantee a racist America.
They amplify our differences, instead of bringing us together as Americans.
In order to nip this in the bud, these groups should be banned from our schools and from our society.
Just as the KKK and White Supremacists have been marginalized and rejected by society, so should these other groups, for they are just as racist, just as divisive, and just as dangerous... as this article plainly demonstrates.
These groups should be classified as unacceptable hate groups, for that is exactly what they are.
5... Actually, this is a legitimate project for a History class which also doubles as a Current Events and Social Studies class.
Illegal Immigration is a problem of our time and as such has every reason to be discussed in a History class.
Schools have been doing protest flyers for years, usually against a war or some other event. Apparently Illegal Immigration is a sacred cow that cannot be commented on, which seems to be similar to certain religions groups that come to mind.
Illegal Immigration pertains to individuals who have no right to be here in the first place, yet their presence is tolerated for political reasons.
I view the protest flyers as just another teaching tool.
For someone to be attacked because of the content of one is against everything Americans believe.
4 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Though, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts about this whole mess, and particularly whether the teacher’s assignment was appropriate for an 8th grade classroom!
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Hello Destiny,
Despite the update to this story, that Melanie lied, yours is still a very appropriate response.
I'm particularly drawn to your comment:
"These groups emphasize our differences while trying to elevate ethnic groups. They keep our society fragmented, and as long as these groups are allowed to exist they prevent any possibility of cohesion among us. These groups guarantee a racist America."
Excellent point!
I do apologize for having been duped, and in turn duping all of you. As I said to Red, this is an uncomfortable first. Though the underlying current of race issues and legal vs. illegal immigration are very real issues of the day.
Also, it seems that I am in the minority for believing that this is an age inappropriate assignment. While I respect the views of yourself and others who see scholastic benefit to this course of study, I will resign myself to the minority. I think that kids are growing up way too fast these days. And, that school work such as this places too great an expectation on the students to handle mature issues when they are not yet mature.
Well, I will share that it's comforting, in an odd sort of way, that we've finally found an issue on which we do not completely agree. I was beginning to think that you and Red were my long, lost triplet brothers, separated from birth. (chuckle, chuckle)
1 person likes this
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Don't we have enough problems without people manufacturing more?
You haven no idea how much the fact that this girl made the whole thing up irritates me.
While those THREE boys should not have grabbed the poster and ripped it up, their's is not the most serious offense here.
There is no excuse for the lies this girls told, and I hope she is appropriately dealt with legally, at school, and then at home.
As to the boys, the ISS does now seem to be appropriate.
My statement stand as to the original charges had they turned out to be correct, but since they were not... none of that is even applicable.
There should definitely be some remedial courses in responsible reporting, along with some disciplinary action taken there as well. Verifying stories as factual before publication is a must... however as we all know the original headline and story got much more attention then a 2 paragraph story about what actually happened.
As to kids growing up too fast... that is unfortunately true, but it is our reality and things that we would not have been concerned with when we were that age are now being thrust on these kids out of necessity.
Lost innocence occurs much earlier than it used to.
As to mature issues being thrust upon them before they are mature, I must now put out that even more serious issues than this are being thrust upon our children concerning lifestyle choice and other culture awareness issues that they are as of yet too young to fully comprehend.
This is known as indoctrination, and it covers many cultural and societal aspects requiring maturity that most are not ready for.
As to any disagreements... I find that we agree on the important issues, and in times of disagreements it is usually the relatively minor issues or the finer points of issues.
Either way, it is still a learning experience and an open and free exchange of ideas, and that is what still separates our country apart from many others... at least so far.
2 people like this
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
9 Apr 08
This crosses a lot of lines; adults can talk about stopping illegal immigration and nothing much is said or done about it. Personally, I have a different view about it but that's not what this is all about. The "hate crime" part of it is also a double edged sword because both parties could be seen as guilty. I do have to wonder why a public school would allow a teacher to have protest signs as a part of a class activity; unless they were studying a part of history when these signs had a shock value, it seems like a personal agenda instead of something that is the least bit educational. This all comes on the heels of the girl being attacked by "friends" so they could post it on YouTube. I am so glad we are homeschoolers.
3 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Though, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts about this whole mess, and whether the teacher’s assignment was appropriate for an 8th grade classroom!
2 people like this
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
10 Apr 08
I don't really know enough about the project to make a comment. There were a lot of different eras in American history that spurned protests and a lot of different signs that represented different things to different people. I did read the update and that she was seen in school video tape injuring herself. That just adds another bizarre twist to the story. I am sure the teacher will have to answer to someone about the project or at the very least the news will have some details about it.
1 person likes this
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
10 Apr 08
I realize the girl lied about all but having the sign taken away and destroyed. Will these students be fined like the veteran who took the Mexican Flag down that was flying improperly on State owned land?
The releasing of the information about the immigration status is not something the school can release. It would be up to law enforcement to release that information. Schools can release only minimal info on students.
The Teacher should have worked with the students about these sign will make you upset and that is the purpose of the sign to get you to react. He/she also needed to teach the students to respect the thought of others as much as you might disagree you have to let them express them selves. I think it is a good assignment if it is properly introduced and taught. The lesson should be more than making a sign. They should study protest signs of the past and learn what makes an effective one and what is not effective.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Oh my goodness Hmmmmm, did you send nuts for Jericho?
Hubby & I are SOOOOO disappointed that this show has been dumped. It seems that a good many shows that we've enjoyed have been nixed after a season or two: "Mr. Sterling", "The Unit", "The 4400 (which got a one season reprieve, though has not resurfaced)and now "Jericho". I know that I'm forgetting some of the others that never maded it passed their second season -- all terrific shows. Yet, the reality shows continue to bombard the airwaves. Go figure, huh????
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Hello Bobmnu,
Thanks for reading the bulk of this discussion, and particularly the update to the story. I appreciate it!
Of course the three boys won't suffer the same consequences as Peter! And, we all know why! Which, of course is a big part of the problem.
You're absolutely correct about the school's lack of authorization to release the immigration status info about the students. Though, I am surprised that the local Texas media didn't make mention, either way, about this.
(quote - Bobmnu)
"... that is the purpose of the sign to get you to react."
This is an important point! One, quite frankly, that I hadn't put my finger on. Yes, that is precisely the purpose of protest politics -- to incite an emotional response to issues that are generally better handled through intellect and reason. Thank you for helping me to better understand why I am incensed by the teacher having assigned these 13 year old students to create their own protest signs.
While you are clearly in the majority on the appropriateness of the assignment, I resign myself to the minority. I think that 13 year olds are not mature enough to grapple with the complexities of protest politics.
And, thanks to your insight, I am more fully resolved to my disapproval of the subject matter for kids that young. As I see it, protest politics (at least in todays world) is all about manipulating other people's emotions. And, that is a lesson best not taught to children that young. I believe that Melanie's behavior perfectly demonstrates this.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Hello Hmmmmm,
I didn't send nuts either. Though I did send e-mails. Alot of good that did, eh? I'm still hoping that Sci-Fi will pick up the show.
Though, the other night I was discussing it with Hubby, and shared that I suspect the reason that they cancelled it is because it has been the most compelling hour on tv in a long time! Couple that with the fact that many of its fans resorted to taping the show (on DVR) because of the scheduling games, and the late hour that the show was designated in the line-up. When tv is that compelling, and it's taped, people are not interested in what the commercials have to say. My suspicion is that it's more profitable for networks to contract mediocre entertainment, because there's that much less of a difference between the quality of the show, and the quality of the marketing. Just a theory, any thoughts?
@Rhapsody1851 (246)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Luna! are you a digger?! haha
I ran across this story just a short while ago on digg.com and have yet to read it, but now it looks like I don't have to, haha.
1. Out of 17 students indentified by the girl as having participated in the "incident" I am shocked that so few are being punished! And 2 others " may YET face punishment"?! psh! Every one of them should be made to take responsibility for their actions, no matter what their involvement. That says to the rest of those kids that as long as they stand back a little and play only a small part, they are free and clear, and safe to be a part of something like this in the future. That's a bad message.
2. the question of whether or not the students involved in the "INCIDENT" were here illegally is a VERY good question, and as I was reading it, I asked the same question. What would provoke them to attack otherwise?
3.Not letting the girl call her family is a HUGE wrong on their part. If something like that happened to my daughter and she wasn't allowed to call me right away, that would break my heart. I don't think I could imagine my own child having to sit there after a situation like that and not be able to be with people who love and would protect her. That seems cruel.
Thanks for sharing!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Well hello there Rhapsody!!!
I hope to be able to post this Update/correction before I lose my internet connection -- again! Grrr!
I will power recycle and hopefully be able to respond to your post a little later! If not, then I hope to be able to keep a connection in the morning. Though, to be sure, I'm glad to see you back!
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.... . .
Though, I’m still interested in hearing any thoughts about this whole mess, and specifically whether the teacher’s assignment was appropriate for an 8th grade classroom!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Hello Rhapsody,
Sorry for the interruption!
Well, I don't feel quite so bad if the story was still diggable, after the Update/Correction had been issued, about 2 hours after I began the discussion.
Though, the answer to your question is No, I didn't dig it up. Truth be told, my digging is generally limited to my garden (ar, ar, ar).
Given the nature of the Update, and the fact that Melanie fabricated the assault, which is very disturbing in and of itself, it definitely alters the context of this whole mess. Yet, it perhaps only further exaccerbates the race relations issues. That any of this happened is mind-boggling, eh? In spite of the Update, much of your response is still very applicable!
So, I thank you for your contribution, and offer a sincere apology for having participated in perpetutating such alarm over this issue.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Apr 08
thanks for the update. what a mess seemslike the girl with the supposed attack is just as much to blame as the so called attackers and that stupid teacher who should have known better.school is no place to start a civil war between children
1 person likes this
@Guardian208 (1095)
• United States
9 Apr 08
1. This is more evidence that immigrants, illegal or otherwise, feel above the law. It is a mob type of mentality. If there are too many of them, they know that we will not do anything. This is really a microcosm of the bigger problem we face as a nation.
2. ISS? Are you kidding me? How long does it take to look at a surveillance tape? Any reasonable person could take a look at the tape, that couldn't have lasted more than a few minutes, and identify the culprits.
But the bigger problem is that it may be that the school is afraid to act (see #1).
3. Schools do not identify the immigration status of their students, at least not here in FL. All they have to show is residency. Is that crazy?
4. Brown pride is racism, pure and simple. It should not be tolerated any more than "White Pride" would be tolerated.
5. I don't have any problem with the assignment. Why is it unreasonable to ask the kids to participate in one of the things that makes this country great? Free Speech. It was civil disobedience that changed our race laws. It was marches and protests that addressed many of our countries ills. I protested CBS many years ago because they were involved with South Africa in ways that we felt helped sustain apartheid. I think that the assignment could have sparked genuine debate much like our discussions here do. In a way, our topic headlines are protest banners. They invite people to deeper discussion and debate.
No the problem was not the assignment. The problem is our PC society that does not allow for dissenting points of view. I remember when I was in college, we had some of the most stimulating and invigorating debates both in class and out of class. I am afraid that my kids wont have that same blessing. If anyone who does not parrot back the PC views and attitude is shouted down, we have lost one of our fundamental freedoms.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
9 Apr 08
Hello Guardian,
I've spent the last few minutes trying to figure out what the heck ISS is? Doh!!!
'In School Suspension'. I guess no one will be calling me 'quick draw mcgraw' today, eh? (chuckle, chuckle)
Perhaps this is completely irrelevant, but -- do you really think that Hispanic immigrants believe that they are 'above the law'? Or is it more that they preceive USA law as 'gringo law'. Meaning that I'm more inclined to believe that it would never cross their minds that gringo law would ever apply to them. Like two completely different mind-sets???
You may be on to something with your fear theory! Though, perhaps the fear is exaccerbated by the helplessness that the administration might feel BECAUSE they are trapped into the deteriorating status quo BECAUSE of their reliance on the per student federal educational grant? The school doesn't want to expel the kids, because then they lose federal funding. Grrr! What do you think?
Many school systems claim to have adopted policies that prohibit the asking of immigration status. That's a load of hooey being fed to us by the Teacher's Union. Here's the back end of that story: Each public school has pretty good indication of the immigration status on every student -- which they conceal. It comes to the school by way of immunization records, or the lack thereof!
I agree that Brown Pride is unadulterated racism, and it's counterpart would never be allowed. So, it needs to be phohibited from public property. Right now, any Hate Group can obtain a permit to protest on public property. I think that this needs to stop. Public is just that, owned by all. If splinter groups want to espouse their personal message, I think that it should be done on private property only. I'm sure I'll catch some flack for this belief, but I think that it's logically arguable.
While I definitely agree that PCism is leading this nation down a terribly dangerous path, I will disagree with you about the protest sign project having been assigned at all, in 8th grade History class.
This indicates to me that this 8th grade teacher was 'creating tomorrow's protestors', and that is very troubling. One, because that is the socialist agenda at work in our educational system. And two, because there is plenty of History material to teach 8th graders, without having to expose 13 year olds to the divisiveness of protest politics. Based only on what we know at this point, I would say that this History teacher is not a teacher at all, but rather is an 'indoctrinator'!!!
Contemporary protest politics is not appropriate material for middle school aged children. In many cases, not even for high school children. Granted, the protest politics of the Revolutionary War are in a league of their own. Though, I sincerely believe that the rest of it is too confusing for kids that age. Any thoughts?
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Though, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts about this whole mess.
Guardian, I promise that I'll get back to your most recent post. I just wanted to get all the UPDATES posted first. Thanks for your patience!
1 person likes this
@Guardian208 (1095)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Unbelievable! But apparently they still have a racism problem.
I think that we will have to disagree on whether or not that assignment was appropriate. It appears to me that this middle school girl has a greater grasp of the issue than we give her credit for. While we all agree that what she did was supremely inappropriate, she knew what buttons to push to get national attention. I have to think that her parents were involved. Didn't they claim that she had a swollen eye and bruises and scratches? That actually caught my eye when I saw her picture with her poster. First the poster was not torn up or taped. And I remember thinking that her bruises and facial swelling sure did heal fast!
Oh well, live and learn.
About that rally/protest, no one "officially" told any employers to allow their Hispanic employees to attend without consequence, but it was all over the news. Hispanic leaders were interviewed on the news to "speak about the rally", but they used that platform to "encourage employers to support their efforts by allowing their employees to attend. That evolved into interviews with enlightened business leaders who were letting their Hispanic employees attend and were even going to pay them for their time. It was almost like a competition to see who was more PC. It was disgusting. So Hispanics all through the area took the day off. I want to be clear. Not all Hispanics did this. A lot of responsible people went to work as usual. But I know very many who took the day off and just stayed home or went to the beach.
BTW: Never feel uncomfortable when we disagree. I kind of sensed that in your last post. Our disagreements make us think deeper on our convictions and will help cement them one way or the other. I have the greatest respect for you and your thoughts. I eagerly await your new posts!
1 person likes this
@tessah (6617)
• United States
10 Apr 08
i cant beleive that so few were slapped on the wrist. in school suspension? they threatoned to kill this girl.. expulsion shouldve been swift and with great malice for everyone that was involved.
as far as the teacher who gave out the assignment.. it sounds more like a current events comparison of past/present sort of thing. he didnt tell the students to actually protest.. he gave a creative assignment to something that is usually a bore you to tears part of history/government class.
the teachers and other administration that treated it casually..(or even more evil, turned a deaf ear while it was happening) that seem to continue to treat it casually.. should have charges brought up on them for contributing to the crime itself, during and after the fact. to refuse this poor girl a call to her parents? thats just inhuman, and was more than likely a stall tactic so they could get all their ducks in a row and call their own attorneys with complete disregard to what had happened to this child who they were in charge of her safety in an effort to cover their own a55es. disheartening and repulsive.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily....
Though, I’m still interested in hearing any thoughts about this whole mess, and specifically whether the teacher’s assignment was appropriate for an 8th grade classroom!
Hello Tessah,
I have posted the above UPDATE on each of the responses herein. As well, I owe each of you an apology for having shared my dupability on this issue. My B.S. radar is usually pretty well honed. Though, in the case of this story I was fully duped.
As to the age appropriateness of the assignment: I resign myself to being in the minority with the perspective that 13 year olds are too young for such mature issues. In fact, given how quickly our youth are growing up these days, I do believe that the expectation that they should be able to handle mature matters, when they are not yet mature, may well be part of the problem.
Though, to be sure, I respect the perspective of you and others here who believe that the assignment was appropriate. I am really OK about being in the minority on this one.
I thank you for sharing your thoughts, and again express my apology for having been duped. I guess that I'd better get my B.S. radar checked, and re-set to "FAIR", eh?
2 people like this
@tessah (6617)
• United States
10 Apr 08
good gawds. yer not the only one feeling duped.. and not by you just to be clear. you passed along a news story.. nothing more, so appologies arent necessary. i felt for this girl and actually got angry over the entire situation happening to her in a place that sposed to be safe for our children.. and she lied abot the entire thing. so now *I* wanna slam her head into the wall!! ;sighs;
2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Our country is facing huge problem. I feel like I am working to support all illegal people who somehow have food stamps and don't pay taxes.
I have nothing against any nation, but things are going out of control.
Home schooling is the best idea now.
As far as school incident, I would blame school for wrong project and refuse to let her to call parents when needed.
The whole story is not told and we don't know what is the truth.
I don't like our school system at all.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Hello Polachicago,
As you can see from the above Update/correction, this story has taken an ugly turn for the worse. While the update adds a whole new dynamic to the incident, it does not discount the value of your contributions to the alleged first incident.
I completely share your view of homeschooling! I believe that folks who are able to commit the time and energy to properly educating their children at home, are true heroes!
It's definitely not an insignificant sacrifice on the parents part. So, I'm honored to laud them at every opportunity. If I had little one's at home now, I would do as so many others have done -- keep them far away from the public school system. Though, we have an excellent parochial school in the area, so that would be a viable option -- albeit it quite expensive.
I agree that despite the update, and perhaps because of it, that the whole story should be examined. Including whatever punishment the three boys, and Melanie are given.
Regardless of whether the administration viewed Melanie's fabrication with incredulity, she should have been able to call her folks. Had the parents been called to the scene immediately, this whole mess may not have exploded as it did. No guarantees, of course. Though, the parents, administration & student(s) in the same room at the onset would likely have kept this from snowballing out of control. At least I think that it might have.
I also agree that our nation faces significant issues, that if left unchecked are going to reach a breaking point. Though, as I've mentioned throughout this discussion, I sincerely believe that part of the problem is that schools, by way of the kind of assignment given in this case, are contributing to the problem. I do not believe that 13 year old children are emotional equipped to handle the complexities of 'protest politics'. Kids of this age are just learning how to handle their own emotions. And, I believe that it is unfair to thrust manipulative emotional tactics, like seen in the 'protest politics' arena onto them at such a tender age.
Any thoughts about this whole expanded mess, Polachicago?
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
11 Apr 08
I still think that they are hiding something.
I was reading update on this story before my post, but it is all unclear for me...it has to be something else.....
1 person likes this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Going to try and respond to your questions but just reading this article filled me with so much emotion. The school was wrong to not let the girl call her parents. Mess up their investigation? More likely them trying to cover it all up and not have to deal with it. I think the parents are in the right in contacting the FBI and in keeping their daughter home.
1. My first thought is where were all the teachers and other faculty while this attack happened? How is it a gang of students could attack her and no one of authority not see anything? Why weren't the cops called immediately and why wasn't the girl taken to the hospital instead of sitting in the office that way. I think at this point the school doesn't want to deal with it nor do they want an investigation. It makes me wonder if there isn't more that we haven't heard about.
2. No it's not reasonable. The students should have OSS and not ISS. Added to that there should be charges of assault and battery, attempted rape, attempted murder, and even false imprisonment along with the hate crimes. The students should be arrested not given a slap on the wrist.
3. I think that is a very good question. Could it be the school doesn't want it known that many of it's students are illegals? Lets face it most schools get so much money per student registered. If the illegals weren't there they might not get the money or if it's proven they knew they weren't entitled to the money the school or it's principal could be up on fraud charges. Also the fact that fliers were allowed to be passed out shows that the faculty and administration are turning a blind eye towards behavior by some students.
4. Not sure how to nip it in the bud besides encouraging learning that we are all equal. Also making examples of those who try to put one group above another or trying to put another group down. A no tolerance policy that is backed up and actually applied would go a long way.
5. Actually the assignment could be a very valid one. It depends on what they are learning at the time but protesting has been a big part of American society so I can see why the teacher gave the assignment. The teacher really isn't to blame in that regards.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Though, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts about this whole mess. Emeraldisle, I'm sorry that this false allegation was so disturbing. Though, I will get right back to the specifics about your post!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Hello Emeraldisle,
Let me first extend a sincere apology for having spread my dupability on this story. As I explained to Irisheyes, this will give me a moment of necessary pause to assess how my own experiences and observations about race-relations from the perspective of live just north of the border, may be affecting my perspective.
Despite the correction, and that Melanie lied about the gang assault, the race relation issues as well as the legal vs. illegal immigration issues are still very relevant issues of our times.
(quote - Emeraldisle)
"Lets face it most schools get so much money per student registered."
This is an important point! I would still like to know if the three boys to ripped the poster out of Melanie's hands were her legally or illegally. Though as your point alludes, we probably will never be privy to this info.
The revision of the story does not mention anything about the flyers. I would also like to know if this actally happened, or if Melanie made it up. Either scenario is troubling -- though getting to the bottom of this issue would be helpful. Good point!
As I've mentioned to others here: I resign myself to being in the minority on the issue of age
(in)appropriateness for the assignment. I believe that kids are growing up way too fast these days. And, that part of that phenomenon may well be that they are expected to handle mature issues when they have not yet matured. I do think the issue of protest politics is more appropriate for older kids. Though, we see from some college aged people that they will participate in protest activities without a thorough understanding of what they're protesting. So, I guess that maturity level is more appropriate than chronological age.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, and please accept my apology for the earlier erroneous post. Gee, do you think the "Maytag Man" could take a look at my B.S. Radar???
2 people like this
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
10 Apr 08
First you are not to blame, obviously there had to be enough there for the press to believe the story as well.
I still have issues though with how the school handled the situation. They should have let the girl call her parents when she was in the office. Also with what she claimed they should have called in the police. If they had and turned over the surveillance video at that time this whole mess might not have happened. They decided to handle it themselves which allowed this girl to make a mountain out of a mole hill. If the police had been called in directly it would have been nipped in the bud.
I too would like to know about the fliers and if they actually happened. I doubt though they are going to cover that simply because if it did happen it shows the school to have racial issues going on. The same can be said about whether or not the students who took the sign are here legally or not. At this point I'm sure they want to sweep it all under the rug.
With the homework assignment it depends a lot on what it is they are studying and how it was going to be used in class. All we know is they were asked to make posters about political issues. She's in 8th grade and I know my niece is in that grade. They are covering a lot of current events but also the Presidential campaigns. It could be with the campaigns that the issues were going to be discussed. Without seeing the whole class assignment it's really hard to say whether or not it was age appropriate.
1 person likes this
@nzinky (822)
• United States
20 Jun 08
Why aren't the police arresting these kids that started this fight........Oh I forgot the girl that was beat up was an American and the others were Mexican and I bet half or all of them were illegal...
It's pretty sad when a child doesn't have the right to speak their mind....
As far as the Vice Princpal he was wrong in not letting her call her parnets....He should be fired and the other teachers who were close to the fight that didn't do anything should be suppended....There is no excuse for violence in the schools...And no excuse for a teacher not being able to have control of their class and the students in the school....I still think that if a child needs their bottoms spanked that the teachers should have a right to do it....
When we went to school and got in trouble our parnets gave it to us when we got home....We wonder what's wrong with the school....Give the teachers the right to correct the kids and there will be less trouble in the world....
As far as only three kids being punished they all should be expelled from school...
Illegal Immigration is a big problem in our country why are the Illegals getting any state aid and be able to live in this country that still blows my mind...What laws can an American break with out having to pay the piper......Why should anyone else be able to break our laws and get by with it....
If these students that beat this child are Illegal why hasn't their whold families been deported.....
Look at all the rights this girl that was beat up were denied......The right to have her parnets there while being questioned.....The right to free speach....The right to have an education without the threat of being beat......
Yes the parnets have a case against the students that did it, the vice princal, the teachers and the students parnets....
The best way to get rid of our problem is to deport them back to where they came from and not let them ever come back to this country...
What ever happend to a no tolerance for bad behavior in schools?? Or does that only apply to White American People..........
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
20 Jun 08
Hello Nzinky,
You raise a great many terrific points here. However, it turns out that the girl cried wolf! She fabricated the violent assault.
The earlier responses will completely apprised you of the mess that this situation really is.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, though. Were it not for the fact that the girl's deception nullifies many of the issues, the issues are nonetheless very valid!
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
9 Apr 08
My gut feeling when I read this was "How can a scared child who is being beaten by a mob positively identify 21 attackers? Hopefully, there will be something on the tapes and they will be able to identify more of the attackers positively and punish them appropriately but for now, I would tend not to put a lot of credence in the victim's year book identifications.
I don't think the assignment was out of line but the teacher should probably have spent some time esplaining to the students that there would be different views and they should be debated in class. Still, I honestly think that the teacher was just trying to give the kids an interesting assignment.
Unfortunately, I think this is just one more instance of a growing trend of violence among the young. I hate to say it but it almost seems these kids just want to lash out and they will do it for any reason. A gang of girls in Florida recently beat another young teenage girl senseless because they wanted to put the attack on the internet. This seems like the same sort of thing. I would actually not be a bit surprised if some of the attackers turned out to be nonhispanic kids who wanted to act out and saw their chance. It's frightening.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Though, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts about this whole mess, and particularly whether the teacher’s assignment was appropriate for an 8th grade classroom!
Irisheyes, I promise that I'll get back to your response as soon as I get done posting these updates. Thanks for your patience!
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Hello Irisheyes,
I give you credit for having a better B.S. meter than mine. Mine is usually pretty honed, though I will admit that I was fully duped by this story. I apologize for having spread my dupability on this story.
Though, the correction does give me a moment of pause. Living in a sanctuary, border state, I've seen my fair share of race-related ugliness. So, this incident will cause me to reflect on how to reset my B.S. meter to "FAIR".
Yours is a terrific point about the ability of one in a frantic predicament to accurately identify 21 people.
I resign myself to a minority position in seeing the assignment as 'age inappropriate'. While I respect the perspective of you and others who also believe that the assignment was acceptable, I still believe that kids are growing up too fast these days. And, that expecting them to handle mature issues, when they have not yet matured may be part of the problem. Though, as I said, I'm really OK about being in the minority on this one.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. And, please do keep that B.S. meter as finely honed as it is today. I'm sure that it serves you well. Nicely done!
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Great post! In answer to your questions:
1. I think this is horrible and disgusting and if it were my daughter someone would be in big trouble for not letting her call me. That's just for starters!
2. That's not reasonable at all! All those involved should be punished with possible charges filed against some of them. I don't care how young they are.
3. I don't have a problem with whether the students are here legally or not because they didn't come here themselves if they are illegal so I don't think it's relevant.
4. I'd like to see any kind of racism "nipped in the bud" but I don't know what the answer is.
5. I couldn't agree more! The teacher is certainly not without blame here, which is not to take the blame away from the students who did the beating.
This is a very sad situation for all involved and I really hope the students are given the punishment they deserve for what they did to this poor girl.
Annie
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Hello Annie,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. As you can see from the above Update, this incident has taken an ugly turn for the worse. Though, I believe that your points are still very relevant.
I tell ya', I'm stunned over this whole mess!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Hello Annie,
Thanks for reading the update to the story.
I am also shocked that Melanie would go to such lengths to make her lie seem credible.
As you draw the comparison to when we were teens, I'd certainly say that we (my classmates) were angels compared to today's teens. Of course, we were also fearful about the consequences of our actions.
There is no way that the Nuns or OUR PARENTS would have ever allowed such a dishonorable transgression. I mention parents because I'm troubled by the mention that Melanie's parents issued an apology for their daughter's actions. In my day, my parents would have insisted that I issue that apology, as just the first leg of punishment.
Though, I guess that this is a different time, eh?
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Thanks so much for the update. How sad that she'd make up such a story and go to such lengths to injure herself! She certainly should be punished. There are so many things I hear of kids doing these days that totally astound me. I know we weren't perfect back in the day when I was a teenager but I can say with all honesty the things that happen today sure didn't happen then.
Annie
1 person likes this
@kykidd (6812)
• United States
9 Apr 08
Oh my goodness, with that many people involved, I can't believe a teacher or someone couldn't hear it was going on any sooner.
She should have been able to use the phone and have received medical attention.
And only 3 suspensions. Unbelievable!
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Though, I’m still interested in hearing your thoughts about whether the teacher’s assignment was appropriate for an 8th grade classroom!
2 people like this
@WhatsHerName (2716)
• United States
11 Apr 08
But, out of school suspension would probably mean the children would just hang out in the streets together. And the school would probably have to hire a tutor for the hard working tax payers to pay for.
I'm hoping the teacher assigned them to make picket signs to teach them how to picket responsibly which I don't think is such a bad thing. Maybe it just got out of hand.
I guess she forgot to teach them not to attack other people if you have a difference of opinion.
1 person likes this
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
9 Apr 08
I cannot believe that something like this would happene. First of all that assignment was wrong to give to students. Of course it was going to bring up problems. I can't believe that this would happen. Second of all it's scary to think that so many students were involved in this and only a few are being punished. Then they don't even allow her to call her parents? That is just plain wrong and I feel sorry for the girl. I just can't believe it with all this violence going on. And I just recently saw on the news and discussed on mylot about another girl that was beat up by a group of girls. This violence between teenager is getting out of hand.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
9 Apr 08
Hello Ayumitakashi,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
I completely agree that the teacher should not have assigned such a project. It is not only irrelevant, it's dangerous, to boot.
Do you think that violence between teens is more prevalent? Or, is the news of that violence just more accessible?
1 person likes this
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
9 Apr 08
No I think it is prevalent and I think this is just the beginning. I've noticed it around my neighborhood too. But the teenagers these days are getting worse. When I was I high school two years ago things were bad, but that was high school. But i'm seeing things that are bad in fifth and even fourth grade. It's like the violence is starting even earlier than before.
1 person likes this
@zxtzxt (214)
• Philippines
11 Apr 08
1. This was really bad if its true that theres about 2 dozens students involved. I just can't explian why the victim wasn't allowed a simple phone call.
2. They need to punish everyone including teachers or whoever in charge at that time because the incident happened in a hallway with full view of everyone. It's supposed to be safe.
3. Maybe the article doesn't want to put more fire into it.
4. What is brown pride? Group of hispanic student people? Hispanic or not its not right what they did.
5. The teacher really made a bad decision on asking students about flyers about illegal immigration, maybe he or she has other things in mind. Maybe he/she wants to make the flyers but rather make the student do it.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Hello Zxtzxt,
As you can see from the above Update, this story has taken an ugly turn for the worse. Though, the change in dynamic certainly does not invalidate your points.
Fortunately, only three boys were involved in any affront to Melanie. And, their involvement was far from the dangerous tale that Melanie told.
Though, you're right. The girl should have been able to contact her family. Had the school allowed her to do so, this mess might have been dramatically minimized. That is only speculation on my part, though parents & administration being present when kids hash out their stories have a way of limiting embellishment. At least in my experience, anyway.
"Brown Pride" is a political mantra that has been around since the 1960s. With the national focus having shifted to the illegal immigration debate over the past few years, the "Brown Pride" movement has expanded beyond the former limits of Hispanic immigrant communities. Since the national debate, groups like "La Raza", "The Brown Berets", and the "Aztlan Movement" have demonstrated growth in numbers, as well as an expansion to the arena of their USA bashing messages.
I think it's fair to summarize it not only as a movement of Hispanic pride, but a movement that centers around the belief of many Hispanics that the USA stole the California, and Southwest Territories from Mexico (despite the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo & the Gadsden Purchase), and that White Europeans are alleged to be the true illegal immigrants, and that the whole of the territory should be returned to Mexico. This is a very contentious issue in the Southwest, and especially the US-Mexico border states. Since I live in one of those border states, it is a deeply troubling message that I am altogether too familiar with. Grrr!
You can easily find information about the "Brown Pride" movement by an internet search of: "The Voice of Aztlan" or "La Raza". What's especially disconcerting is that there seems to be a legitimate link between these groups and militant Hispanic gang activity. So, this is an issue that Americans should be aware of, as this gang activity has expanded throughout the USA.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here Zxtzxt! I appreciate you input.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
10 Apr 08
[b]My questions to you are:
1. What are your thoughts about this incident?[/b]
I think its disgusting..It doesnt matter if it was 20 kids attacking or 2 kids...Bottomline this girl was ATTACKED for DOING A SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT!
2. Is it reasonable that only three students are being punished with "in school" suspension, with a possible two others who may yet face school punishment?
I think that ANY students involved shoudl be punished and ISS is NOT good enough as far as I'm concerned..
3. Why doesn't the article identify whether the Hispanic students who are already being punished are in this country illegally, or whether they are American Citizens?
4. "Brown Pride" seems to have infiltrated our middle schools now. Should something be done to affect this racist belief system? If so, what? Any thoughts on how to 'nip this in the bud'?
This is the first I've heard of a Brown Pride thing so I really can't comment on it BUT racism should NOT be tolerated at all in any school for any reason..However I dont think being proud of who you are is the issue..
5. Why was a teacher in a public school assigning students to make PROTEST FLYERS for History Class in the first place? Is this what our educational system has deteriorated to? Grrr!!!
I'm wondering why the teacher isnt being punished..As for the crappy educational system...well I have little faith in the school system around here (in NY) I know that much...
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Hello Ravenladyj,
As you can see from the above update, this story has taken an ugly turn for the worse.
Though, your points are still very relevant.
I agree that ISS would not have been an appropriate punishment, had the physical assault actually taken place. My first reaction is that similarly ISS would not be an appropriate punishment for Melanie either. Any thoughts on this?
I agree that ANY overzealous racial pride is problematic. The concept of 'Brown Pride' has been around since the 1960s. Though, it has been generally limited to Hispanic immigrant communies and areas. There has been a significant surge in this regard of late, as a result of the national debate about illegal immigration, and the influence expansion of groups like 'La Raza' and the 'Aztlan Movement'.
I also agree that this whole mess further demonstrates an abject failure of our educational system. I don't believe it's wise to expect 13 year olds to grasp the complexities of protest politics. And, I don't believe that today's public school system should divert their attention away from the three 'R's to embrace the exploration of contentious politics. I think that 13 year olds are not yet mature enough to really 'get' the complexities of the issues, and that it's more appropriate to focus on the fundamentals until the children are older, and a bit more mature. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here. And, please do accept my apology for having played a part in perpetuating this fraud.
1 person likes this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
12 Apr 08
I think she was a very civic minded young person who should be commended for doing something that many citizens would like to do. Plus she was just carrying out a homework assignment. I think the other students should be criminally punished for assault and battery.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
18 Apr 08
Hello Whiteheather,
Geeze, I'm sorry ... I completely missed your contribution here. I do apologize for the oversight.
While I share your perspective of the original story, as you can see from the rest of this discussion, there was a very disturbing Update/Correction to the story. It turns out that Melanie lied about the physical assault! Three boys did take her sign away, and allegedly ripped it up -- though the violent attack was fabricated.
Which in no way discounts your original perspective, or the racist undertones of the whole mess. This discussion has taken on many different angles. If you're so inclined, I welcome you to ingest the complexities of it, and contribute if and as you see fit.
Thanks for sharing, WhiteHeather!
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily....
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
18 Apr 08
I was not able to open the link but I thank you for the update. Now I think that lying girl should get severely punished. What a rotten thing to do!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
10 Apr 08
I would think that a teacher should have known better than to have a student make a sign that would cause an uproar in school in the first place. yes all the students who attacked the girl should be fully punished. You do not try to kill someone because they do not like illegal immigrants to be using our facilities for free. let them enterthis countylegally then we will all embrace them. but the students doing the attacking were breaking our laws just like the illegalimmigrants are doing. This is an adult issue and should not be on the kids minds.they should be doing their studies not fomenting a revolution.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Hello Hatley,
I see that you have already been made aware of the correction of this story.
Though, I wanted to comment on your excellent point:
"they should be doing their studies not fomenting a revolution."
I couldn't agree more. Especially in light of Melanie's deplorable reaction. As I see it, this demonstrates the point that kids this young are not emotionally mature enough to approach these serious issues from a problem resolution perspective. Which leaves the very real possibility of seeing more of the kind of inappropriate response as demonstrated by the three boys' actions, as well as Melanie's.
What's even more troubling is that this incident will 'anchor' in the minds of each. Which will most likely be remembered with a cloud of negativity, and could very well perpetuate this kind of bigotry as the four students mature. As well, I'm sure that the rest of the student body has learned about this, and will inevitably 'take sides', which further exaccerbates the problem. It's a vicious cycle that I would really like to see addressed.
Anyway, thanks for your great response! And, please accept my apology for having played a part in the perpetuation of this fraud.
1 person likes this
@Guardian208 (1095)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Ladyluna,
I want to tell you how much I appreciate that you went back and posted the update on every response to your discussion. That shows a lot of integrity. Thank you.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Thanks so very much, Guardian!
I think that it's only fair to do so, considering that I played a part in perpetuating the original story. And, it's pretty clear from many of the responses that it was very troubling to many.
While the truth isn't any less disturbing than the original accusation, at least it might quell some of the anxiety over the possibility that the school could have been so remiss in its duty to provide a safe environment for our kids. Hopefully those who have seen this
discussion will sent their kids off to school tomorrow with a little less angst.
@mefadon3 (296)
• United States
10 Apr 08
Great article. I believe that that the teacher should be fired and the school should be sued. There is no way in the world that this child should have been asked to come up with this assignment and make protest posters. That is crazy. Racial tensions in this country are always at a high and they rarely come down. The students would have to face in-school suspension first, but there should be more punishment on the way. These students are a reflection of their parents, so when they attacked this child, they were acting on behalf of what they were taught. I have never heard of "Brown Pride" until I read this article, but now this Texas school has a big problem on their hands. I would not be surprised if this turns into a gang of some sort. I think all of the students that she identified should be punished and not just 3 of them. I guess we can all see the effects of taking prayer out of school. When prayer was in schools, you had problems, but not of this sort. I am also appalled at the assistant principal who would not let her use the phone. He should be reprimanded as well. This incident did not have to take place and it looks as if it could have been totally avoided if the girl would have been able to use the phone.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Hello Mefadon3,
As you can see from the above Update/correction to the original story, this incident has taken a turn for the worse. Though the underlying issue of race-relations is still very relevant.
Just as an F.Y.I. -- "Brown Pride" has been a political mantra since the 1960s. Though, until the last few years, it has been relegated to Hispanic communities. The illegal immigration debate, as well as the uprise of groups like "La Raza", "The Brown Berets" and the "Aztlan Movement" has broadened the influence of the "Brown Pride" issue. It's actually pretty scary, if one researches the three groups, and their sources of support, as well as their links to violent gang activity.
You make some very valid points though:
Even if the incident was questionable, the girl should have been able to call her folks. Had they been notified immediately, this incident may not have blown up the way it did. No guarantees, of course. Though, my suspicion is that it would have taken on a whole different dynamic had the principle, parents, and girl all been present when the girl first alleged the assault. Just my humble opinion, anyway!
I'll also agree with the spirit of your mention of prayer in schools. Not limited to the inclusion of prayer alone, but the value system that accompanied the time when our school aged children said the "Pledge of Allegiance" everyday, invoked the guidance of our Creator, and feared the consequences of their actions. Essentially, I believe that you are alluding to the breakdown of our cultural values. On this, you'll get no disagreement from me!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this whole mess, Mefadon3. Please do read the link in the update, if you have the time. It is very troubling and disheartening!
@zimmerchild (8)
• United States
10 Apr 08
1) This is something that is extremly serious and needs to be dealt with.
2) Absolutly not, in school suspension is the silliest thing I've ever heard of. So they get moved to a separate area and do not get to participate in their normaly classes. Some punishment. This should be dealt with using legal action and exspulsion.
3) They may not know, or it might just start a bigger fire then they want.
4) Brown pride that makes me laugh as much as White pride....what's next Yellow pride, Olive pride....*sigh*
5) I understand the assignment behind it, I had something similiar but the assignment should have been something for the past only and not current events. Having kids bring in protest signs for current events is just asking for trouble, having them do signs for past events, could ask for trouble, but I think it would be been better understood. Now, I am not saying that the girls sign was wrong. I acctualy support the sign she made, however I do also see that bringing something like that into a school in and area where there is a large number if illegal immigrants whould cause a problem. It's very hard to hide a sign in a backpack. Those other kids, however, should not have attacked her at all, there are systems in place for inappropriate / offensive things being brought to school. Those systems should have been used. It would have been a whole lot better for the both the girl and the students that assulted her.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
11 Apr 08
Update on this news story:
Apparently the girl who claimed to have been attacked, lied about the assault. The girl’s parents have issued a written apology to the school administration, and Melanie is being charged with filing a false report. She will be punished with the three boys who ripped the sign away from her.
The details of the update can be read here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61155
Hello Zimmerchild,
First allow me to welcome you to MyLot. I hope that you thoroughly enjoy your time here.
Having said that, as you can see from the above update, this story has taken a much uglier turn for the worse. Though, it in no way invalidates many of the issues that are relevant to the original story.
I also agree with the sentiment that Melanie expressed on her sign. In fact, I believe that it makes an excellent explanatory correlation for all citizens.
I'll also add that one of the most troubling issues, in this whole mess, for me is that the teacher assigned these 13 year olds to delve into the arena of 'protest politics', when it is unreasonable to expect that they are mature enough to grapple with the complexities of the arena. If you would like further clarification on specifically what I mean by 'protest politics', you will see a rather interesting mini-discussion between Hmmmmm and myself on the nature of protest politics, on page two of this discussion. If you decide to investigate it, please feel free to share any of your thoughts on the issue. Both Hmmmmm and I welcome other perspectives. Plus, she's one smart cookie -- so I think that you'll enjoy her input.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Zimmerchild. And, please accept my apology for my part in having propagated this fraudulent story.
