Shifting in my seat, I focus on Mr. Bartley. “These are all the hateful and antisemitic acts we’re aware of that have taken place as a direct result of this assignment.”

I slide the folder over to Mr. Bartley. He flips it open.

I tap the first line. “It starts from the beginning when our classmates gave the Nazi salute. This is the latest incident.” I slide my finger to the photo of the hateful spray-painted message on Cade’s family’s inn. “With the online attacks, they’re extensive.

“And yes, Mr. Bartley, we’ve read some of the terrible things people have said about you online and we’re sorry you’ve had to endure that.” I dig my fingernails into my palm to keep the tears at bay. “We also know many have come to your defense.”

“As they have for you,” he says.

Mrs. Bartley comes into the room with bottles of water, sets them on the table, and pulls up a chair next to her husband. Mr. Bartley reaches for her hand. He says, “We, too, have been deeply distressed by the hateful actions you’ve endured.

“I realize I’m the one who should be apologizing to you. It’s not the other way around. I’m sorry for the way I treated you in class. It was unfair and unprofessional. This is not your fault and I accept full responsibility. I’m the teacher. You’re the students. And I am sorry. I should have put an end to the assignment immediately. It’s not enough, though. I give you my word; I will resolve this on Monday.”

Cade’s surprise and relief mirror mine. He says, “So, does this mean you’re canceling the debate?”

Chapter 59: Joe Bartley

Joe needs to explain, but this is new territory and it’s way out in the stratosphere. He starts to speak, fumbling his way through, hoping he doesn’t add to this disaster, trying instead to clean it up. “It was and still is my intention for my students to personally understand how easy it is to normalize hate, to misplace blame, to use marginalized people as scapegoats for anything and everything. The Final Solution allowed almost the entire civilized world to turn their backs on the Jewish people.”

“And that’s your justification?” Logan takes a water bottle, uncaps it, and drinks half of it down.

“I was wrong.”

“You were wrong.” Cade shakes his head in disgust like it’s too little too late. Cade’s right.

“I was wrong on many different levels and I’d like to explain.” Mr. Bartley pauses because he needs a moment to collect his thoughts. Mary squeezes his knee, being his rock, as always.