“What? Is it bad?”

“Hold on a sec.” I scroll down, reading fast. “The Lake Towns Journal published a letter to the editor written by Reg!”

Chapter 46: Lake Towns Journal

Student Supports Teacher and Final Solution Holocaust Assignment

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To the Editor,

I’m writing to offer support for Mr. Bartley, my History of World Governments teacher at Riviere High School. He has been unfairly accused of being a racist, an antisemite, and a bigot. He is the absolute opposite of those things. Anyone who knows Mr. Bartley would describe him as respectful, open-minded, accommodating, and an outstanding educator. He only wants what’s best for his students, providing opportunities for us to expand perspectives and to learn about the realities that history can teach us.

What’s most frustrating is how our Wannsee Conference assignment has been misinterpreted. The media has blown the Nazi debate way out of proportion. Mr. Bartley has done everything he can to accommodate those who are overly sensitive about the Final Solution, allowing them to research and present an alternative assignment. The vast majority of students, however, chose to participate in the Wannsee Conference debate, proof only a tiny minority found the assignment offensive. It’s their problem!

Like our teacher, Hitler dared to think outside the box. Exposing our mind to ideas that may be contrary to our own, especially valid beliefs, isn’t evil. This assignment has allowed us to keep our minds open and nonjudgmental to all sides, to humanize what happened during World War II and to broaden our perspectives. It’s been a great experience, allowing us to think critically and form opinions based on facts.

The people spewing hate toward our teacher? They’re the ones who are closed-minded, judgmental, and evil.

Sincerely,

Reginald (Reg) Ashford, senior, Riviere High School

Comments: 3

Student1

Way to go Reginald! It’s obvious you’re a thoughtful, considerate person. The lesson asked you to think critically and to broaden your perspective. You did just that and should be commended.

0 Like Reply

WarVet

This letter is appalling. I don’t want my tax money going to a school that allows students to support ideas spouted by white supremacist groups.

2 Like Reply

StudentLife

Why would a student feel the need to defend his teacher? Where is this teacher? He hides behind students instead of coming out himself and explaining his actions. Pitiful.

21 Like Reply

Chapter 47: Elias Dygola

From: Elias Dygola Wednesday, 10:52 p.m.

To: [email protected], [email protected]

Re: Thank you

Dear Logan and Cade,

I am the son of Holocaust survivors. If they were alive today, I have no doubt my parents, of blessed memory, would have written and thanked you for your courage for speaking out against the Nazi Final Solution debate. So, in their stead, I felt it was important to contact you.