The daily tribune., 1904-01-05
AN APPEAL.
Resolution OF the National Educa-
tional Association.

year into existing conditions in
schools and colleges throughout the
country as reg ards decorous conduct
and obedience to law among pupils
and studerts both in ard out of school
regrets to affirm as its deliberate
opinion that these conditions, at least
in many localities and institutions
both In Colorado and elsewhere. are
such as to call for the serious consid-
GRAFTON of all thoughtful citizens
This opinion is founded upon dis.
graceful occurrences which are ala-m.
ingly frequent and of which the fol-
lowing are typical illustrations:
/. The organization IN all grades
of schools from the elementary school
to the college of Strikes" SO called.
to compel those in authority to grant
vacations, lengthen recesses, dis.
charge or reinstate teachers, remit
the punishment of fellow students who
are under discipline for committing
serious offences; thus often paralyzipe
in whole or in part, the work of the
schools.
9 The treatment of school and
parental authority with insolence and
contempt when it is opposed to the
carrying out OF student ideas of fun"
or whims born of the mob spirit.
8. Riotous conduct on the street.
in public conveyances, theaters,
public halls and other public places
in utter disregard of the rights of
others and of tle refinements of de-
meanor that should characterize
ladies and gentlemen, apparently un-
der the assumption that membership
In educational institutions justifies
such conduct.
4. Deliberate insults to teachers
and others in authority under circum.
stances which, if tolerated, render it
practically impossible to exercise
discipline or maintain authority.
8. Glass contests which cripple,
temporarily at. least, the work of
the school, and lead to the invasion
of private dwellings, the destruction
of public and private property. thus
entailing not only pecuniary loss upon
the community but also irreparable
/ loss OF time upon students and teach
| ers.
6. Serious bodily injuries and
even death. resulting from hazing
fraternity Invitations and class fights
Z. The subordination of everything
| else by students and too often by in
structors to the preparation of ath-
letic contests, thus making business
of athletics to the detriment of true
ideals of sport.
The frequency OF such occurrences
fully justifies grave apprehension lest
the schools, instrumentalities which
exist at the expense of the state for
the purpose of protecting the state
by training for intelligent patriotic
citizenship, may become rather
menace to the state by bringing to-
gether large numbers of Impulsive.
irresponsible young people under con.
ditions favorable to manifestations of
mob spirit and without restraints
sufficient to pervent or control such
~, fastat;ops
While society canuot expect immu.
nifty from youthful indiscretion, law.
lessness and crime. the school and
college should ever stand fimrly for
order, reverence for. and obedience
to law, and, though ephenorsl distur.
Dances may cause annoyance and even
apprehension, the tide of sentiment
among educators should ever set
strongly toward higher standards of
conduct and social service.
The oft repeated plea that "boys
will be boys and that young peo.
pie ought TO be allowed to have good
time, is not worthy of moment s
serious consideration when offered in
e1tenuation of such acts as those
enumerated. We deplore the senti-
ment that seems to have gained SO
strong hold upon some minds that
dissipation. rowdyism and law lessness
are essential to the happiness of
young people or that they add any
thing to their real enjoyment; and it
Is with view to making their school
life more truly happy that we appeal
to parents and teachers generally to
give their fullest cooperation to all
efforts to eliminate these evils from
student life