Posted on 05/15/2004 9:29:14 AM PDT by I_saw_the_light
VILLA PARK, Calif. - At least three teachers have been placed on paid leave following complaints they showed students the videotaped beheading of American Nicholas Berg in Iraq (news - web sites).
Villa Park High School English teacher Stephen Arcudi allowed students to use his classroom computer to see video footage of Berg being executed, school officials said.
"Because of our concern over his judgment and the way he handled the situation, we have put him on leave while we continue to investigate," said Orange Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Cohen.
Two other teachers were put on leave by the Grossmont Union High School District near San Diego.
Cohen said both a parent and a student complained.
Arcudi, 46, said he discouraged a student from trying to find the Berg video on the Web. But his students said Arcudi gave out the Web address where the video could be found.
"He said: `This is the enemy we're up against and these are the things you don't get to see,'" said Naim Dujak, 17. "He did not force anyone to watch it."
Everyone needs to understand what we are dealing with here and some kids dont get that at home. A lot of people were for showing this on CBS after all the prison pictures which I am sure kids have seen, so how about it? I am torn between knowing this would damage some kids and letting them know the reality of what will happen if these animals win. How about your thoughts?
It's not up to teachers to make this decision -- it's up to parents.
I think this teacher did the right thing. Individual high schoolers are DEFINITELY old enough to decide for themselves if they want to see this video.
This video is a major news story. A 16-year-old is only 2-years away from being old enough to be in the army, and there is no reason that the should not be given the option to see this video.
Personally, I think it is important that every American see this video so they remember who it is we are fighting and why.
I wouldn't let my 5-year-old see it -- but a teenager? They are definitely old enough to wake up and smell the coffee.
You are exactly right. Where does it stop? The computers are in the classroom for learning not keeping up to date on sadistical actions. Are the students allowed to access porn in order to study sex issues? If a student wants to see this there is the local library or their home computer. It is sad that schools think that parents are incapable of making these decisions and so they set out to correct the problem.
I'm torn on this as well, so I think I would err on the side of getting parental permission first. I think the kids should see it and that most of them should be able to handle it, and I'm glad the teachers didn't force anyone to watch it.
As a teacher, I am amazed at the lack of judgement some other teachers use. To do something like this is asking for trouble.
I want everyone of adult age to see this, and we need to see the real 9/11 videos. This traitorous crud the left is pulling has to be exposed, and the nature of our enemies has to be in everyone's mind.
Anyone with this poor judgement should not be a teacher.
I've heard two teachers here in Tacoma, WA are on leave for showing the video.....I'm thinking they should get parental permission, but I think parental permission should be required for ANY discussion of sex, homosexuality, bisexuality, etc.....in other words, anything outside of readin', ritin', and 'rithmetic...
Most kids, these days have been exposed to more violence, ( real and fake ) than I ever was when I was a teenager....
Besides that....many 17-19 yr olds....are better than the media at determining the difference between humiliation...and killing.
For me...where the rubber meets the road would be the teacher taking it upon himself/herself to deem what is appropiate, and what is not...for my kid.
Another reason why we HS'ed.....
FWIW-
I agree.
Parent's decision.
I DO think the matter should be discussed in school, ( And I LIKE this teacher's comments!) and I suppose if they wanted to have the video shown in class, they could get paretns to sign a permission slip.
Kids whose parents won't sign can study in the library.
As a parent, I would have some concerns. As a human being and watching how the press ignored the horrific brutality committed against a young American plus the fact we need a wakeup call in a hurry since 911 didn't achieve a complete one, something has got to happen to make people realize that islam IS NOT a religion of peace. And that there are barbaric people in this world ready to duplicate what happened to Nick Berg if get caught in the wrong situation. We need to get our children ready. Too bad Michael Berg didn't put more of a warning to his son.
....how could it damage them anymore than perverted MTV or the video games out there, which lets them be the killer?????
Old enough for slasher films, old enough for the truth.
This is a tough one, because some parents are idiots. Ask Nick Berg. The parents should have the final say on this, but I hope many people watch the video.
Although the teacher showed bad judgment, I bet he wouldn't have gotten in trouble if the students had seen Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse photos.
Agreed. It would be a worthwhile discussion topic but as a picture or video it is definitely not suitable for children and those with minor children under 18 should know that.
I went to VPHS (a loooonnnng time ago). Bully for Arcudi!
Ummm, they did. Read the article...
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