Los Gatos teacher erred in penalizing protester

The introductory sentence of the Declaration of Independence was meant to “declare the causes which impel” people to action. The Declaration was designed to convince Americans to put their lives on the line for the cause. This led to the American Revolution, to the citizens of 13 colonies led by our Founding Fathers, to what was in essence an act of civil disobedience. The writing of the Constitution followed and thus the United States of America.

To defend his action, giving a failing grade to a student who left class to participate in a nationwide school walkout against gun violence, teacher David Kissner called said student’s action one of civil disobedience. Further, he allegedly invoked the Constitution several times.

One might wonder to which Constitution he refers. One with or one without the First Amendment? I stand with the student. — Caroline Rackowski, Morgan Hill