EDITORIAL
Oct 9, 2007 - The Knoxville News Sentinel weighs in on teacher abuse with an editorial, "Schools need to address abuse."
It is time - past time, in fact - for the area school systems to give this issue their undivided attention. A reading of the riot act to teachers, administrators and staff regarding sexual abuse of minors would seem in order: Zero tolerance. Zero sympathy.
Whether they like it or not, teachers are authority figures and role models. Yes, most teachers are dedicated and conduct themselves accordingly, and they should deplore this stain on their profession as much as anyone else.
As for students, schools could provide orientation programs alerting them how to identify potential dangers.
Invite parents. Meet in small groups as well as large gatherings. Acknowledging the problem is a positive step toward resolving it. Institute an open-door policy for students to report transgressions, with strict penalties for lying.
Schools - along with churches - should be among the safest places outside the home for children from kindergarten through high school. When they are not, the community suffers and must share the pain of the abuse that has occurred.
