Admit issues to overcome them

The Oct. 2 'Jim Crow-era assumptions still alive” guest column by Eric Thompson is a 'shoot the messenger” response rather than discussing or accepting the validity of a teacher's personal observation. I looked for the positive aspects of his observations, for example, the desire of people in jail to realize an education's value. That is often hard to explain to high schoolers.

While Thompson stressed the lack of data and background of the Cedar Rapids writer, he provided none either. I'm not sure what data Thompson expected with a 250 word limit.

Unless we admit there are issues it will be difficult to overcome them. I think Thompson's final comment, 'Why was I not able to reach them?”, is a good starting place for discussions with students, parents and faculty.

Palmer Holden

Iowa City