Rachel Boim, the freshman expelled from Roswell High School because of a story she had written in her journal, was a guest columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. In her column, Rachel writes:
When a teacher took up my journal during fifth-period class on Oct. 7, I wasn't concerned that someone would read the story about the dreaming girl. I was more worried that some of my poems would be read.The following day I was taken out of class by the school resource officer. At first I was really worried that something had happened to one of my parents. When I was told it was about my journal, I thought that it was ridiculous to have an armed guard escort me to the office.
My tribunal was on Oct. 22. It was a closed trial that lasted for three hours. ...I don't think it would have made a difference if the pope had testified on my behalf. The decision was made before I even entered the room.
This experience will not discourage me from writing. If anything it will motivate me to write more stories. I will just have to be more careful about where I write them and who I show them to.
Read the whole thing.
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