To the editor:
I read the LJWorld article describing the forced retirement of Stan Roth with dismay. I reread it with anger. Now it is simply embarrassment that is settling in. Embarrassment for an educational system gone haywire. First, I hear about the perceived importance of creationism in Kansas, then I hear that the best educator in the town (coincidentally an exceptional scientist and ardent evolutionist?!) is forced to retire for stating his opinion about what should be taught in his classroom. What has happened? Who is running this ship? This is not the Lawrence I grew up in (LHS class of '76)!
Stan Roth is quite simply the most dedicated, most talented, most inspiring teacher any student could ask for. He pushed me to reach my highest goals. He gave me the tools to reach those goals. He has continually kept abreast of my progress (even though I graduated 20 years ago!). Stan showed me the fields of Kansas and Hawaii. We have shared time conducting research in the Maine woods, Idaho sagebrush, and Washington forests. Had it not been for Stan's inspiration I am certain I would not have attained my current position as a professor of Wildlife Science at the University of Washington. What is important is that I am only one of dozens of professional biologists, doctors, and researchers that feel exactly the same way about Stan.
So, Lawrence school board and Administrators at Free State High School please listen. I am one of your success stories. The reason I am successful is because of Stan Roth. How many other success stories can you pull up that can point unfailingly to a high school teacher and say -- it was his teaching and mentoring that made me what I am?? I can give you a mountain of them that will say that for Stan. I challenge you to show me any other teacher that has been so influential. I ask you to look inward. Who have YOU influenced in such a positive way? Rather, your recent decision to force Stan to retire will influence many in a completely negative way. You are responsible for depriving future students of a powerful role model.
I ask you to REINSTATE STAN ROTH. I further ask you to publicly apologize for your arrogance and poor judgement. Obviously you selected a poor principal to guide Free State High. Wake up. Do the right thing. Clean your ranks. REINSTATE ROTH.
John Marzluff,
University of Washington,
Snohomish,Wash.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.