Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 165, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1915 — Justice vs. Prejudice. [ARTICLE]

Justice vs. Prejudice.

The recent articles concerning the county superintendent appearing in The Republican have,been interesting from many points of view. The one that appeals the strongest is that showing how far personal prejudice will lead us away from facts. In an editorial the other day the idea was advanced that the schools of Jasper county were in a higher state of efficiency during the time of Mr. Lamson’s predecessor than they are at present. This was before the time of the law which now requires that the applicant shall have had a ligh school course or its'equivalent, and at least twelve weeks normal training. Before this time all that was required was an eighth grade diploma and a passing grade in the questions prepared by the state. Are there any intelligent, interested patrons who would be willing to have out schools again placed, on that jasis? Some of us have'very vivid recollections of helping our children at home, to supplement the lack at school. That state of affairs was due, not to Mr. Hamilton, who was superintendent them, but because the state requires a higher standard. Therefore,' if our schools are not now more proficient, then shall we have to acknowledge that so far as our teachers are concerned, high schools and normal schools are a failure. We are forced to admit that our schools at the present time are more effective than they were a few years ago. Any one will say that progress has brought about harder conditions for the teacher to meet in order to be granted a license. Any superintendent at this time will say there are more efficient teachers now in Indithan ever before. There are two classes of applicants, viz: Those from our high school who are able to pass the examinations and make licenses and those who sometimes fail. Of those who fail, the majority take the blame upon themeslves, realize their weak points and persevere until success does crown their ecorts. In talking this point with several teachers, we find one saying: “Yes, I have failed several times on examinations, but realize it was my fault. If I had deserved passing grades, I know I should have received them.” Another teacher says: “I know I get all I earn.” As the papers of any applicant may be sent to the state superintendent upon payment of a small fee which is less than a day’s wages at teaching, it would seem a good business proposition for anyone who feels justice cannot be obtained at home to seek it elsewhere. Victor Hugo says: “It is the hatred of narrow minds for liberal ideas that fetters the march of progress.” In view of all that has been said in sympathy for unsuccessful applicants, the question arises, Are the schools of Indiana running for the benefit of our children, or to create jobs for teachers? Mrs. I. F. MEADER.