Kennedy’s Reputation: Fair or unfair?

Posted on 10. Nov, 2009 by joannagreer in Op-Ed

by Shri Tanna, Class of 2011

The extensive media coverage of the attack on Senior Temperance Maupin at a football game several weeks ago has definitely stirred talk in the community about Kennedy’s reputation. Principal Thomas Anderson, along with most of the staff and students at Kennedy, feel that Kennedy is overall a very good school. Anderson claims that out of about 1500 students, there are only 20 kids that cause problems, and the positive contributions of the other 1480 should not be overlooked. Most of the students at Kennedy have similar views on the matter. When asked if the fights change their perceptions of Kennedy, Juniors Andrew Wesley and Samir Suliman both said no. However, they both felt that Kennedy’s reputation was being negatively perceived in the community. The media showed the video footage of the assault numerous times, and for many people, it is a depiction of what Kennedy is actually like. Many students feel this depiction is wrong.

Tight-lipped, Senior Sheila Pierre-Louis reacts to the news report.

Kia Davis, a math teacher at Kennedy, said during the meeting that there needs to be more a sense of community. She went on to say that the girls that partake in these fights are the ones in trouble. She added on that a sense of community starts by “making a connection,” as simple as a greeting. This would make these troubled kids realize that there are adults who acknowledge them and keep them from making wrong decisions, aside from administration. By creating a sense of community, Davis feels that these incidents can be minimized.

Josline Ali-Napo, Temperance’s teammate on the Poms Squad, says “Fights happen at Kennedy and it’s nothing new, but this time it was different, and makes Kennedy looks like a really bad and unsafe school.” She went on to say how this particular incident affects her on a personal level, but she added that she feels that the administration is doing everything it can to keep the students at Kennedy safe. Many parents present at the October 1st meeting echoed this message. One parent said he knows the school, and that it’s unfortunate how the media is portraying Kennedy.

Seniors Israel Tesfaye and Noe Rivera see the report for the first time.

Kennedy is certainly not the only school to have fights, but it is often scrutinized over the issue. This negative attention is becoming a problem for many students, staff, parents, and the administration of Kennedy. Many students at Kennedy agree that we live in a safe learning environment. Parents and students both say that the media should start focusing on the good things about Kennedy. It’s like Mr. Anderson says, “Don’t let the actions a few overshadow the positive contributions of many.”