Censorship in school

The case of journalistic censorship of the school newspaper in Springdale has reminded me of a similar case in which I was involved about 56 years ago.

The student editors of the school newsletter, The Leopard, at Norphlet High School (which has since fallen prey to consolidation with Smackover) published an article which aroused the ire of the teachers and resulted in further editions being scrutinized and requiring the approval of the principal and superintendent before printing.

The staff decided to take the names of popular songs at that time and pair with people or things that the songs could represent. The song

“Poetry in Motion” was paired with the high school English/speech teacher, Mrs. Corley. In addition to being an excellent teacher, she was considerably younger and more attractive than the other female teachers.

While the student editors put the pair together because of the subject matter she taught, the older teachers, male and female, thought the idea was suggestive based on her attractiveness. Mrs. Corley had no problem with the pairing because she understood why it was done.

Unfortunately, at that time, the student editors had no recourse but to accede to the demands of the school authorities.

The case in Springdale was much more meaningful and controversial. Thankfully, there have been those who stood with and supported them and the “real news” that needs to be published. After all, it has to start somewhere.

PAUL J. HANSEN JR.

Sherwood