Avoid Ethnic Slurs, On Principle

Regarding “Principal Plays to Student Potential, Not Failure,” Jan. 2: I find it outrageous that Jordan High School Principal Dhyan Lal considers the use of ethnic slurs to be an appropriate way to use “humor as a way of easing tension.” I doubt that the racially toned comments made by Lal would be tolerated in the private sector; in fact, such comments would likely provide sufficient grounds for dismissal at any company with a basic anti-discrimination/anti-harassment policy.

Certainly, Lal should be held to the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior, as he is a role model for the students and teachers with whom he comes in contact on a daily basis. Based on his unusual approach to “humor,” I do not believe that he meets such standards, regardless of how “innovative” his educational approach may be.

Steven Sloan

Sherman Oaks