A Response To The Open Letters Of Geneva

Dear Geneva, 

I'm a sophomore at Geneva High and noticed all of the buzz that these open letters have created.
Obviously a lot of my peers have a lot to say.  

I have to say that I agree with the lack of attention and commemoration given to Josh Sweet.  Many of the suicide prevention programs seemed not to affect students in any way.  

At the same time, however we must recognize that Geneva High School is an educational institution and should be treated as such.
  
 I understand that the death of a student carries plenty of weight, but we can't blame the school.  
Geneva's motto is, "To foster a community of responsible learners who value personal growth on their unique journeys toward ongoing success."

My idea, which I have proposed in many of my classes is a non-profit, student-run organization focused on stopping bullying and cyberbullying in their tracks.  

This organization would be specially designed to carry out disciplinary action for kids who are bullying others. Also, this organization would be in close contact with the Geneva Police Dept. if there were to be a case that became serious enough.

One of my peers said this earlier today, "We need to stop focusing on the punishment of bullies because then they just come back 10 times worse.  We need to focus on teaching them empathy and remorse for what they have done."

It shouldn't be the school's responsibility to discipline children when their main focus is on educating them.  

Share your thoughts 

Thanks, Dan Barstow