Isn't High School Hard Enough?

In the infamous Dazed and Confused, Pink made the statement, "All I'm saying is that if I ever start referring to these as the best years of my life - remind me to kill myself." I always found a lot of truth to that statement. High School is a battlefield of Bullies and Mean Girls, social anxiety and other angst, but honestly, should predatory teachers be part of that?

On December 12, 2007, Music Teacher and Band Director at Glenvar High School, Christopher Matthew Yates, 30, of Troutville, Virginia was charged with taking indecent liberties with a female student.

Reportedly the victim lived with Yates and his wife in Botetourt County rather than Roanoke County, the location of the school.

The alleged offenses as said to have occurred between July 1st and October 4th of this year.

Reportedly Yates, who has worked for the school for five years, has been suspended from his duties.

Although never a student of Yates, I was well exposed to the saga that was his tenure at Glenvar High School. Yates was many things, appropriate was never one of them. He played favorites, made inappropriate comments, and had no comprehension of non-disclosure practices.

I have recently discovered a blog that focuses on outing "Bad Bad Teachers" all across the country and allows the public to comment, either by name or anonymously. BadBad Teacher has been hopping with activity since the story broke on December 17th.

Although I am of the firm belief that Yates is 100% guilty of inappropriate behavior based upon his track record and demeanor, I like the idea of a forum to discuss various opinions of the incident. I think it is a great way for students to come out anonymously and make note of incidents.

More than anything, I feel truly sorry for the students this supposed trusted adult victimized. Whether it be bullying or inappropriate behavior. I am shocked however, and how many parents are stepping up in defense of this predator, and even more shocked at how many are doing so under the guise of religion.

Side note: I am well aware that you are innocent until proven guilty, however that being said, if there is even a question of inappropriate behavior, and several alleged accounts, than clearly you are not conducting yourself in a dignified way.

As always, do your research and decide for yourself.

All I can say is, thankfully I survived High School.

Best of luck kiddo's!