In a time where social media gives everyone a platform to express their opinions freely, there is a growing need for moderation. The recent incident involving Riverside math teacher Kayla Thompson and a controversial Instagram post could have been avoided.
Below a March 18 post recognizing Thompson as the Pirate Hero of the Month, commenters were upset over a Palestinian flag posted in her classroom. Before the post was deleted, the Pirates’ Hook investigated a few of the commenters. Most of them were not affiliated with Riverside faculty, students or families, but admin appeared to take their concerns seriously.
A group of Thompson’s students organized a walk-out on March 22 at 9:30am to peacefully protest her absence. The Pirates’ Hook covered this walk-out and posted about it on our own Instagram account. After spring break, the comments were filled with political angst and profane dialogue that veered from the initial purpose of the article, so the Hook elected to disable the comments.
The goal of our coverage of any topic is to inform readers and allow them to come to their own conclusions, but not necessarily debate those conclusions on our social media. Similarly, the goal of the Pirate Hero of the Month series is to spotlight exemplary teachers. There was no reason for the post to spark discord of this magnitude.
Only listening to the loudest voices in an argument is not an effective way to resolve a conflict. Rather than reacting at the first sign of disagreement, RHS administrators should have taken time to fully assess the situation.
Ultimately, students are the most impacted by situations like this. The controversy caused by an Instagram post cost them a week with their teacher.
Just disable comments next time, RHS admin.
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