JACKSONVILLE — The power of propaganda depends on technique, message, means of communication and the receptivity of an audience.   Propaganda uses half-truths and false information, omits information selectively, simplifies complex issues, plays on emotions, targets specific audiences and attacks opponents to accomplish a desired purpose.

It is very disturbing when one considers the actions of the Rusk ISD regarding their blatant use of propaganda at every turn.  Each communication from Rusk ISD about the aftermath of the February Ag trip to San Antonio includes various elements of propaganda.  The school officials have consistently misrepresented the facts of this story.  

RISD claims that parents had many choices available other than the judicial system.  This is simply not true.  Parents did use the ISD appeals process to no avail.  Dr. Largent upheld the principal’s decision to punish students academically.  Parents were forced to seek justice for their children through the judicial system because the school is so outrageously dictatorial with its relentless abuse of authority.

The information given to students and parents about the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program was that all 17 students would, without exception, serve 2 six weeks periods in DAEP.  Now after much attention, through the judicial system and the media, the students have been reassigned to their regular classes after only one six weeks term.  The school now claims to have considered the “mitigating factors”, which should have been considered in February.  

As far as cost to the taxpayer, I wonder who the school officials think we are, if not taxpayers.  I also wonder what price they would put on their child’s education.  The expense to the taxpayers could certainly have been avoided if the school officials were following the law when handling our children.  

The school should also be focused on the competency of its employees.  Prevention is always better than a cure.  We all know how much the students have paid for their indiscretions in San Antonio but I have not heard a word yet about accountability for either of the several guilty school employees.

 

Archie Nickle,

Rusk