Obama's speech denied to students

Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Whitefish school superintendent Jerry House.

As you might have found out from an e-mail I copied you on earlier this evening, I discovered too late that the speech by President Obama would not be shown to the students on Sept. 8. According to what I was told by Whitefish Middle School principal Kerry Drown, the school district decided on Friday to not present the address.

I wondered how this could take place in the seemingly astute and intelligent community of Whitefish. This speech was not ever a "political hot potato." If there was any question regarding the speech's agenda, it was tainted by Florida Republican Party chairman Jim Greer in a statement of partisan politics attempting to discredit the president's motives.

Since then, other more level-headed individuals from the leadership of the Republican Party have stepped forward and declared the event a "fine idea." Following the publishing of the speech's text, the fervor and controversy dissipated, and sentiment seemed to be that the speech should be seen by any student able to watch.

However, due to the timing of the decision by our school district to prevent the broadcast from reaching the students, they were deprived of a moment of inspiration presented by the president. This man is regarded by our students as a symbol of achievement and success resulting from his determination for an education. I watched the broadcast live, and it was indeed an inspiration.

President Obama is a wonderful speaker and no doubt moved many students and educators throughout the U.S. For us in the Whitefish school district, this moment is lost for our students, and that, beyond all else, will have a "lasting effect" on our enrollment.

I would like to know how this decision came about. Was this solely your choice, or that of the school board? If the school board met and voted on this, I would like to know how much public notice there was for this meeting and what public comment was allowed and put on record. I also want to know the vote by name of each member.

You stated 'some will be alarmed, some angry, some think it is political brainwashing, others saying that's a great civics lesson, teachable moment, etc." Well, for this parent and concerned citizen, you have described my thoughts on this decision accurately.

I will not let action of this nature go unnoticed or unchallenged.

Toby Scott lives in Whitefish.