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Mike Glenn of the Houston Chronicle reported yesterday about an HISD teacher who was escorted off campus because a drug-sniffing dog identified her vehicle. Inside, there were some unidentified pills, for which the teacher could not immediately produce a prescription. Students were in tears as they heard of her being taken into custody by district officials.
I'm disappointed by this article. This isn't reporting; it's repeating an unsubstantiated allegation against an HISD teacher. Until there's proven wrongdoing, this event should be treated as discretely as possible. The paper should only publish this kind of information when it turns out to be an example of an employee who is under performing, is dangerous to students, or who will be disciplined by the district. I would be encouraged if the Chronicle were to adopt such a policy going forward.
To compound this particular affront, Roberts is a small enough school that its identification of the teacher, while attempting to walk the line between descriptive and anonymous, is in fact sufficient to let everyone know who it is. We all hope this will turn out to be a misunderstanding, quickly resolved; however, the publicity the Chronicle has afforded this case has served to add damage to the reputation of a long serving and much beloved teacher, who we hope to see back in the classroom soon.
