After one of its trustees bitterly apologized for committing plagiarism, the Northern Humboldt Union High School District board released a statement today, promising to inform future trustees that plagiarism is wrong.
If you’ve somehow missed the hubbub to this point, here’s a brief recap: During a speech at Arcata High School’s June 13 commencement ceremony, local construction magnate/school board trustee Dan Johnson was caught cribbing a well-known graduation address by Wellesley High School English teacher David McCullough, Jr. Following weeks of outrage and numerous calls for his resignation, Johnson prepared a statement, which was presented this morning to the district’s board of trustees.
In his statement, which you can read in full below, Johnson says he”s “a just local businessman” and “a sentimental dad” who enjoys giving back to the community, and he apologizes for not crediting McCullough. But he immediately undermines those sentiments with this seething kiss-off:
I understand that for some in our community – the self-appointed referees of good and evil – no explanation or apology I can offer is good enough. But I’m comfortable in the knowledge that their intolerance, so readily on display, is a far more profound flaw than mine.
This afternoon, the school board released a statement of its own, saying Johnson’s apology was appreciated, if a bit tardy. Johnson didn’t offer to resign, and the board didn’t ask him to. Instead it’s proposing to explain “approved academic and ethical standards” in its bylaws and develop a handbook for board members. The board also says it will reconsider the format for graduation ceremonies, “including Board member participation.”
In closing, the board conveys its sincere hope that people will now “move forward.”
Read both statements in full below.
Here’s Johnson’s statement:
“I want to address an issue that has been made of my comments at the Arcata High graduation last month.
“As a sentimental dad who did not go to college myself, I just wanted to use my speaking opportunity to do something special for my daughter, who has graduated with a 4.04 GPA and is headed off to Santa Clara University.
“Like so many others, I was inspired by the 2012 Wellesley High School commencement speech of David McCollough Jr. It was a blunt, but ultimately inspiring, message to the graduates. My speech prep skills are lacking, and when I had heard the speech on the radio and liked the message, it gave me ideas for the speech I delivered at graduation.
“What I prepared to deliver at the graduation ceremony was a personalized version of McCollough’s message directed to my daughter. I thought all in attendance might appreciate it.
“My mistake, as community members, HSU professors and Arcata High faculty, much smarter than I, have informed me, was not simply crediting McCollough for his words and I’m sorry for that. I appreciate the constructive criticism and education I’ve received.
“I’m not an educator, journalist or author. I’m a just local businessman. I enjoy giving back to my community through Rotary, Casa, HSU athletics, non-profit board involvement, youth activities and service on this board, etc…
“The message I wanted to deliver is that I am proud of my daughter and want her to remember as McCullough spoke, ‘You’re not special, because EVERYONE is.’ And in my words, that ‘achievement is based on results, and results are what is most valued.’
“I understand that for some in our community – the self-appointed referees of good and evil – no explanation or apology I can offer is good enough. But I’m comfortable in the knowledge that their intolerance, so readily on display, is a far more profound flaw than mine.”
And here’s the statement from the Northern Humboldt Union High School District Board of Trustees:
This article appears in Run Out on a Rail.
Truly an inspiration for those of us who have trouble with apologies: “I screwed up, but you’re worse for calling me out on it!”
This is going to make life SO much easier for the kids who can look up to Johnson as their trustee.
Trust: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something (plagiarizing from Merriam-Webster).
Why couldn’t he just admit he messed up and ask for forgiveness like a humble human? Because he’s not humble, he’s pissed at being criticized. Take it like a man.
An open letter to Mr. Johnson,
a) this is about right and wrong not “good and evil”
b) we all are “self-appointed referees”, or at least we should be. This is a democratic republic, with emphasis on democratic. (i.e. people making the calls for themselves)
Dan Johnson is a pompous fool, who is all about what’s in it for him & his family. And yes, they all always get a “pass” from those in charge because of “who they are” and how much influence/money they put into the community. Sadly, this will only continue. How can someone in his position not know that stealing is wrong? Makes you wonder what kind of business he runs.
Nothing like a rich guy who’s a “victim”. Curse those referees of good and evil, durn it. They’re the same people who led Rob Arkley to declare that he and Lee Ulansey (aka Mini Me) and Bob Figas (aka Pigpen) are the true environmentalists, not them darn environmentalists.
The timing of Dan Johnson’s arrogance goes well with the unaccountable and cowardly “back room deal” by Eureka’s mayor to have a friend on the city council undo the mayor’s appointment to the North Coast Railroad Authority board.
If we had a real public-interest media, these incidents would reappear collectively as election-time reminders of the cabal that dominates every local elected and appointed office….
…instead of merely appearing as isolated incidents.