Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Education is a privilege, not a right

As a former teacher, I would like to address the student behavioral problems faced by Fresno Unified School District.

Regarding problems associated with McLane High School (and all FUSD), anyone should understand it is impossible to teach when even one disruptive student is allowed to remain in the classroom. It is the teacher’s job to teach the class, not for everyone to be distracted by misbehavior.

If the administration is unable or unwilling to assist the teacher in controlling a disruptive student, that student should be placed in a controlled classroom or school for disruptive students. This approach should help reduce the suspension and expulsion rates.

Every student must understand behavior is a personal choice, and choices have consequences. Reasonable behavior is the only choice acceptable to take advantage of the educational process for all students. Most people would agree education should be considered a privilege.

Gloria Mitchell-Lamoreaux, Fresno

This story was originally published March 4, 2017 at 1:01 PM with the headline "Education is a privilege, not a right."

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