Saturday Classes? 

Editor:

I am outraged by the stupidity and use of Russian KGB tactics in relation to the Carlos Espinosa affair at Arcata High School ("Search & Suspend," Jan. 20). To say they blew it big-time would be the understatement of the year. What should have been an excellent educational opportunity, like having his class explore the perils of marijuana use on young minds, instead resulted in several actions that probably are illegal, opening the door to lawsuits possibly costing the district dearly. If Carlos were my son, I would have both the district and individuals involved in federal and state courts within 60 days.

I was a college professor for 45 years. During that time I also had the opportunity to teach special summer classes to high school students, both in the U.S. and China. Since my two children are graduates of Arcata High, I'm not unfamiliar with teen behavior.

I'm pleased that the district (and possibly the individuals) is being sued, as that hopefully will end the nonsense. Another possible remedy: Make the individuals involved come in one weekend to read the U.S. Constitution, study Supreme Court decisions related to teenagers in and out of school and then write a paper, later to be photocopied and distributed to everyone at Arcata High and the Superintendent's office. This would be done on their own time and without extra compensation or compensatory time.

This, I'm sure, would get people to think before acting.

Bruce M. Haston, Trinidad