Setting Nonviolent Examples for Our Schoolchildren

In a society that was founded on the basis of freedom, equality and order, it is with great sadness that I say that that very order has been replaced by chaos and violence. Once considered priceless, the value of human life seems to have no value at all.

From boardrooms to classrooms, feelings of discontent and disagreement have led to violence and resentment. The situation has gotten to be one of such gravity that I am compelled to plead with the citizens of the 37th District of California, its leaders and future leaders, to end these senseless acts of violence.

The most recent outbreaks of violence involved Compton Unified School District’s interim state administrator, Stan Oswalt. In an attempt to bring solvency to the Compton Unified School District, Oswalt announced that more than 100 non-teaching employees would be cut. The proposed cuts were to offset an anticipated $5-million deficit in the $91.8-million budget.

Prior to the meeting, several shots were fired in Oswalt’s vicinity as he made his way to the boardroom.

If our leaders are to act as precursors and adults, as examples for the youth, how do we explain to them that in a forum where negotiation and mediation is the most appropriate, we’ve resorted to such deplorable measures? How is it possible to be an authority during the recent student unrest, but when faced with our own dilemmas, we become willful, irresponsible and violent?

The achievement of academic excellence and development of our children to their fullest potential may call for some sacrifices on behalf of some Compton Unified School District employees. However, we must not lose sight of what is best for the students! The school district has been insolvent for quite some time, during which the quality of education for the students has been sacrificed. We must unite, offer responsible solutions, and work together toward the restoration and redevelopment of Compton’s public schools system.

There is much work to be done in revamping Compton’s school district. Therefore, it is with great pleasure and confidence that I welcome John Jerome Harris, who was Atlanta’s public school superintendent, as the new state administrator for the Compton district. During his tenure in Atlanta, his students’ test scores soared to their highest ever, and he has my full support in ensuring that the same strides are made in Compton.

In our disagreement with decisions and opinions, we must act soberly, rationally, responsibly and fairly--not harmfully, emotionally, violently and criminally. Most of all, it is important that our disagreements are expressed peacefully. I must reiterate that the education of our children is what’s most important. I look forward to working with state administrator Harris, and encourage all others involved to do the same.

REP. WALTER R. TUCKER III