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December 13, 2006
Arrested teacher shouldn't be treated like a pariah
Arrested teacher shouldn't be treated like a pariah
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Northampton, MA
December 13, 2006
To the editor: As a former teacher at Amherst Regional High School, I read with interest the Gazette articles about the arrest of my former colleague, Ron Garney, with considerable interest. I am particularly interested in whether his predilection for child porn spilled over into the classroom.
It seems to me, based on the Gazette accounts, that it did not. In fact, Ron Garney is described as a 22-year teacher with a satisfactory record. He is a member in good standing as a teacher. And if there had been some oddities in behavior, they did not rise to a level where his students called these behaviors to the attention of their guidance counselors or administrators. Hence, I am wondering why he was arrested. Could not police officials have gone to the School Committee and informed them of the violation of the law, rather than taking what seems to me extreme measures?
Since the Gazette accounts indicate no harm came to the children of Amherst, I am concerned about another issue. What is the Immigration and Customs Service doing combing through the records of porn sites and ruining the lives of persons who are not affecting others? The Gazette pointed out that they are investigating thousands of others. I am uncomfortable with the government looking into our viewing choices.
It is to the everlasting credit of the Amherst Regional School Committee that Ron has been suspended with pay. He may yet be able to salvage his pension rights if he is allowed to retire, rather than be removed involuntarily. Ron Garney should not have to stitch CP - child pornographer - to his clothing or in any way become a pariah to atone for his use of what seems to be illegal material in the privacy of his home.
Bill Ames
Northampton
Posted by lois at December 13, 2006 10:05 AM