To the editor:

Kevin Willmott’s excuses for not paying for years of services rendered (by teachers, including me) did not convince the Kansas state judge — the objective arbiter in this case — who found Mr. Willmott at fault. Instead of protesting at the homes of Bishop Seabury board members whom he has maligned or on the steps of the courthouse, Willmott points his signs (one calling a board member “Mastuh”) at students, parents and teachers in front of school each morning, chanting “We Will Overcome.”

Mr. Willmott has tried to distract from his legal obligations by associating his financial inconvenience with racial victimization. His smokescreen is obvious. It is also an offense to all thoughtful, politically active people. To an educator, it is reprehensible.

Willmott falsely claims that ours is a school for the wealthy. Bishop Seabury Academy spent $110,000 on student financial aid this year, supporting over 25 percent of its students. Funds from this year’s annual auction will be devoted solely to financial aid. Bishop Seabury has always sought to be inclusive and accessible despite the financial burdens inevitably borne by the young school.

Furthermore, we teachers have all contributed financially to insure its survival (and we are hardly wealthy). We love this school, and we have labored for the respect of the Lawrence community. I cannot stand quietly by while people who have struggled so long and tirelessly to make a home — especially the students — are unfairly injured by Willmott’s misrepresentation and personal grudge.

Don Schawang,

Lawrence