Time to put Hampton principal issue to rest

THE EDITOR, Sir:

HAMPTON HIGH principal Heather Murray’s apology was heartfelt. I don’t believe she should resign or be forced out of her job. There is no need to go overboard with this issue, now that there is a public apology, which also seemed very genuine and sincere.

Unfortunately, the detailed apology issued recently was not the first statement Ms Murray gave on the matter. This could have helped to diffuse the controversy surrounding her involvement and presence at the court hearing for the her friend’s husband, the pastor accused of sexual misconduct with a minor.

I believe most persons would have understood the lapse in judgement and error she made. Sometimes it takes public outcry to get us to step back and see the light and accept our faults. We are all human. Politicians and leaders could learn a lot from all this.

Instead of inaction and being defensive, it is an admirable trait to admit wrong, and to do the right thing by giving an apology. There are many lessons here, and very often, these types of controversies can be laid to rest sooner when we do the right thing.

DESERVES SUPPORT

I’m sure the time taken by Ms Murray to go on leave, to step away from all the controversy, will also help her to put things into context and return renewed and move vigilant. She seems like a nice person, an ardent professional who takes her role as school principal seriously.

She has taken a lot of heat already and deserves some support now. It is time to remind ourselves of the seriousness of sexual predators around us and the dangers to our children. We must be more vigilant, and supportive to the victims and families and encourage all to speak out and alert authorities when there are any signs of misconduct or abuse. P. CHIN chin_p@yahoo.com