As an educator, when I write a college recommendation letter, I’m putting not just my words on the line but also my reputation to support a student as they embark on their academic journey. If a student engages in behavior that makes me uncomfortable—like committing an act of hate—I believe I have every right to rescind my recommendation.
I’m not obligated to write these letters; I do it voluntarily, on my own time, outside of school hours. They are not part of my job responsibilities, nor do I receive compensation for them. These letters are mine, not the school’s or the student’s. Thus, the choice to withdraw a recommendation rests entirely with me, although I would never make such a decision lightly.
Recently, a community in Massachusetts erupted in controversy when a teacher decided to rescind a recommendation for a student who used tape to create a swastika on a school wall. Three teachers in Stoughton faced disciplinary action after they reacted to this incident. Two teachers, including a veteran, received disciplinary letters for discussing the matter openly after police determined that the student’s actions did not qualify as a hate crime, and the school refused to inform parents.
These situations are often viewed as “teachable moments.” Yet, the student’s parents deemed it “unfair” for the teachers to address their child’s actions constructively, both in and out of the classroom. It’s disheartening that many parents leap to defend their children instead of allowing them to face the repercussions of their behavior.
One teacher took it a step further, contacting a college to retract their recommendation and explaining the rationale behind this decision. This prompted a formal complaint from the student’s parents to the school board, claiming that the teacher’s actions harmed their child. Ultimately, the superintendent suspended the teacher for 20 days.
However, teachers are not legally bound to conceal a student’s actions from colleges. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools can disclose student records without parental consent in certain situations, including college admissions. FERPA explicitly states that schools may share educational records with institutions where a student intends to enroll. Thus, when a teacher revokes a recommendation, they are well within their rights to share pertinent information related to that decision.
From both a personal and professional standpoint, I would have no hesitation in dissociating my name from a student who has committed such an act. The behavior in question is a clear instance of a hate crime, warranting the withdrawal of a recommendation.
All actions have consequences. In this scenario, the student should face disciplinary measures for their behavior, not the teachers who sought to educate and address bigotry and anti-Semitism. The teacher made a principled choice, and they deserve to be reinstated. As parents, we must do better than to defend our children at every turn, especially when they clearly have done wrong.
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Summary
Teachers have the right to rescind college recommendations based on a student’s behavior, especially in cases of hate crimes. The controversy surrounding a Massachusetts teacher’s decision to revoke a recommendation highlights the importance of accountability and the responsibilities of both educators and parents in addressing inappropriate actions.