THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 27, 1996 TAG: 9609270006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
I am a sophomore at Kempsville High School, and just finished reading the article ``Great Bridge students didn't just read about oppression - they lived it'' (Sept. 17, MetroNews).
I found this project totally unacceptable to be performed at school. Not only did the students have to undergo embarrassment and humiliation, but it could have also affected their school and personal lives as well.
Having the students basically lose all privileges - not acknowledged when they raised their hands, not trusted by peers or faculty members, not allowed to stand in the front of the lunch line, humiliated in academic classes - was downright cruel.
I was born two months prematurely, leaving me with numerous medical conditions. I now have to be in an adaptive P.E. class, am frequently absent from school due to doctor appointments, and in a resource room for extra help. I get picked on plenty, and when I read in a newspaper that a teacher subjected students to similar conditions, sometimes worse than mine, all I can think is why?
It's one thing to read and learn about oppression in America, but to have to live it is quite another. Besides, I'm sure there were students, who were picked on daily, who didn't need to wear an arm band to remind them of what it feels like.
ADAM J. KIDWELL
Virginia Beach, Sept. 17, 1996 by CNB