Assignment Question

As the principal of a northeastern middle school, you get a call from a parent who is disturbed because he has heard a rumor that the student literary digest plans to publish a story with a sexual theme. The work is written by a middle school girl who became pregnant during the year and underwent an abortion. You ask for and receive a copy of the narrative. The girl’s story is actually a cautionary tale of young love that results in an unwanted pregnancy. The author details the abusive home life that led her to engage in an intimate relationship with another student, her pregnancy, her conflict with her parents, her decision to abort, and the emotional turmoil that the incident created. She tells students to use contraception if they are sexually active and recommends appropriate types of birth control. There is nothing provocative or sexually explicit in the work. Some teachers argue that girls should not be allowed to read this material, because it has sexual content from which they must be protected, and that in a sense it advocates defiance of parents. Also, some parents may object to a story about precocious sexuality because they fear it may encourage their children to experiment. Such behavior is linked to delinquency and drug abuse. Those who advocate publication believe that girls have a right to read about such important issues and decide on their own course of action. Writing Assignment Write a 1 page memo back to the complaining parent outlining your decision on whether you will allow the article to be published. Be sure to address legal and social issues. Do you believe that young people should be protected from such material? Is there any evidence that it would cause them damage? Elaborate and explain your reasoning using the chapter information in the textbook to reference and cite your answer.

Assignment Answer

Subject: Response to Concerns Regarding the Student Literary Digest Article

Dear [Parent’s Name],

I hope this memo finds you well. I want to express my gratitude for reaching out to discuss your concerns regarding the upcoming publication of an article in the Student Literary Digest, written by a middle school student. I have carefully reviewed the material in question and considered the legal and social issues surrounding it. I will address your concerns and provide my rationale for the decision.

First and foremost, it is essential to recognize that the story in question does not contain explicit or provocative sexual content. Instead, it presents a cautionary tale of young love, an unwanted pregnancy, and the emotional turmoil that ensued. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of contraception for sexually active individuals, encouraging responsible decision-making. There is no intention to promote precocious sexuality or defiance of parents within the narrative.

In addressing the legal aspect, we must consider the principles of freedom of expression and the First Amendment rights of our students. Middle school students, like all citizens, have the right to express themselves through creative writing and storytelling. The narrative does not violate any legal standards for obscenity or explicit content. It is essential that we respect these rights and promote a learning environment that values free expression within the bounds of the law.