Column has galvanized Washington community

After reading Dick Fredericks' guest column on Jan. 9, I wrote Fredericks a long and scathing e-mail. More than 1,000 words later, I followed my peers and wrote an angry Facebook update about his blatantly ignorant ad hominem attacks against Washington High School and Principal Ralph Plagman.

Once my anger subsided, I realized the extremely positive effects of Fredericks' editorial. Nothing in my four years as a student has brought students closer together.

People were vigorously defending Wash and taking pride in their school and education. Everyone understood that Fredericks had serious qualms about the educational system but his decision to personally attack Washington and Mr. Plagman left people feeling angry and frustrated.

There was a consensus that this ignorant hatred against one of the most successful high schools in the state was both uncalled-for and counterproductive.

At the end of the day, we are all proud to be Warriors. The only lesson to be learned is that when writing about Washington and our beloved principal, you better do your research and get your facts straight.

Britt Bergquist

Cedar Rapids