To the Editor:
(Re: “Erickson Elementary School principal Nancy DeVuono taped to tree in fundraiser")
I was shocked when I saw the photo and read the cutline. What is the message to the community? That making someone helpless and silent is OK? What about people who are already being abused or have been abused? What will they think when even seeing the picture? What are we teaching our children? Will some even be fearful going to school? What about children who cannot read but see the picture?
I’m sure an alternative activity for fundraising could have been found. Students have lots of ideas. However unintentional, this news item gave a very negative message. Surely our educators, parents and the media have a responsibility to see the bigger picture of abuse and be aware of the impact our actions may have. I also felt the activity was overly dramatized by the Advance by enlarging the picture, and putting it in colour on the front page.
Well, I’m sorry but I don’t think it was amusing or funny. I think making someone helpless and silent is abusive and unacceptable, even in jest or to raise funds for a good cause. And what a golden opportunity the parents and teachers missed to teach the children why it is not OK!
Clearly, there is more community awareness about abuse issues that needs to be done in Creston.
Leila Burton
Creston