STUDENT ROLE MODEL

Re: School Suspends Teen After Drug-linked Protest, June 14.

The core question raised by the case of the Saskatchewan student
suspended for telling the truth about cannabis, contrary to drug-war
orthodoxy, is whether public schools are institutions for education
or indoctrination. Education encourages students to think for
themselves, even if it means challenging received wisdom;
indoctrination demands students unquestioningly accept the dogma of
authorities.

In this case, sadly, it seems clear that Wawota Parkland School feels
it is in the business of indoctrination. Kieran King deserves an
apology (and a scholarship) for speaking truth to power. He has
demonstrated the kind of integrity, courage and leadership Canadian
schools should be rewarding, not punishing.

Kenneth Tupper, PhD student, Department of Educational Studies,
University of British Columbia, Victoria.