Letter to the editor: Schools taken over by students

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in response to the article “Schools taken over by students” that appeared on the last issue of your magazine where Mr. Chalmers supported the students who are taking over schools. This is a very controversial issue and I think it should have been handled more carefully.

Mr. Chalmers claims that there is no harm in students fighting for their rights. But what happens with the rights of ordinary people? Does the end justify all means? Many people suffered the consequences of the pickets. What about their rights? Because of the pickets some people were not able to get to work on time, some were stuck with their cars for several hours and some picketers were blocking the way for ambulances and police. We live in a democratic society where fighting for what you believe in is allowed as long as you do not interfere with the rights of others.

Nobody can deny that school infrastructure is in a deplorable state: roofs which may fall any time soon; heating and water systems that do not work; not enough room for the children, etc.

I was watching a television program where the journalist was asking the students why they were there. Some said that it was cool not to have classes. Some did not even know what to answer. Another claimed that they were picketing for a day care center to be opened up at the Arts University so that those who have children can leave them there. Is that a reasonable improvement to be asking for? Not even in private enterprises is there such degree of comfort to be found in our country.

There are other ways to solve this problem. There is a diplomatic way by which you can raise your voice and be heard and fight for what you think is necessary. Picketing may be the easy way out but it will not bring a magic solution from the sky. As a civilized country, we need to understand that picketing over schools will not improve the situation.

Yours faithfully,

Mr. John MacKenzie