As a student journalist at Deerfield High School, I often look to the Tribune as a model of effective and responsible journalism. I was thus surprised when Dave Newbart’s article about author Alex Kotlowitz’s visit to my school (“Deerfield students open eyes to racism,” Metro, March 1) made misleading, hurtful generalizations about Deerfield and its students.
Mr. Newbart wrote that society’s reluctance to discuss racial issues “also is seen at Deerfield High School.” This statement could not be further from the truth. Deerfield students are extraordinarily willing to discuss race; although they recognize the relative homogeneity of their school, they are generally quite open about addressing issues and stereotypes. They have formed a successful organization, CARE, which directly deals with such issues.
Based on my conversations with her, teacher Helen Foucault’s remarks were used selectively in the article; none of her references to the students’ openness and frankness were published. As a student I have personally experienced the frequency and depth of race discussions in Mrs. Foucault’s class and other classes. Yet by omitting the majority of her statement, Mr. Newbart failed to present the true character of Deerfield.
Deerfield students’ willingness to read provocative, relevant literature and openly discuss it conveys maturity and open-mindedness, not “reluctance.” They eagerly received Mr. Kotlowitz’s message.
The characterization of Deerprints, Deerfield High School’s award-winning student newspaper, was also misleading. Deerprints has never been reluctant to address race. Last year I helped create a four-page spread on civil rights, and just this month a column was published dealing with racial stereotypes.
While my fellow students and I appreciate the coverage of significant events in Deerfield, I am disappointed by the one-sidedness of Mr. Newbart’s article. I am proud of my school and know that the students are more open-minded than they were portrayed to be.
