Adam F.C. Fletcher

The following editorial written by a hero of mine, Adam King, who is a senior at A. C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina. I don’t call Adam a hero easily; he’s earned it. Read the following screed and find out why student voice is alive in schools today.

“The Stupidity of Gaggle Net”
Letter to the Editor
November 6, 2008

Once again, despite the efforts of many teachers and students, the student voice at our school has been suppressed. After two years of debate, the county’s technology department has decided to carry through with the controversial decision to ban all personal email accounts for students and teachers alike. This decision has created a huge lapse in student rights; however, invasion of privacy and restriction of first amendment rights seems to be a common theme in schools across the country.

Over the past three years at Reynolds, I have responded to this growing crisis by talking to the administration and members of the school board, but my arguments have fallen on deaf ears. The school system believes that it is acting in our best interests, but they need to tone down their efforts. Like other students, I need to check my email daily for many different reasons. I use email to communicate with my employer, my senior project mentor, and my fellow state HOSA officers. I have enough maturity and common sense to know how to use email and the Internet safely. I realize that some students abuse their Internet privileges, but the county should not punish the entire student body for the actions of a select few. I am offended that the county believes it has the need to monitor all of my thoughts and actions. The school board clearly underestimates and undermines our intellect and duties as students.

I encourage you to protest the use of Gaggle Net. Gaggle Net is a big deception, which not only deprives us of our rights, but more importantly, it is not preparing the student body for reality or the workforce.