An Open Letter to Martin Bell

This is an open letter I wrote to Martin Bell, Chief Operating Officer of Greater Clark County Schools (in Indiana), regarding his poor treatment of a girl who was handed a mixed amphetamine salt (Adderall) pill and who handed it back saying she didn't want it - then told the truth when questioned if she knew anything. The moral of the story? Lie. Because you'll get suspended from school if you do the right thing. Or just take the pill, because you'll get suspended even if you don't. I'm not sure exactly what this guy is trying to teach kids...


Dear Mr. Bell,

My name is Mark Uhde and I am an Internet blogger and a children's entertainer - as well as a Christian children's ministry worker. I try to keep up with issues relating to fair treatment of children in America today, civil liberties, due process, etc.

You, sir, as I'm sure you're aware the national - and even international - media has made everyone aware, have become the laughingstock of our nation's education system due to your apparently inept handling of the Rachael Greer case. You stated that if you're not strict about your drug policies, no one will take you seriously. Wrong, sir. If you punish a girl for saying no to drugs, then openly and honestly telling exactly what happened, no one will take you seriously.

What you need to realize is that incompetent handling of a girl who just said no - as kids are taught to do - and when later questioned, told the honest and complete truth of the situation - will not prevent drug use. It will cause it. If I was a child living in your world, the next time, I'd probably be tempted to just take the pill - because hey, the I'd be punished either way, right? I'd probably want to see what it was about if I knew I'd get in trouble even if I refused it.

Our world is falling apart. Our children treated like hostages and criminals against themselves. Our adults treated with the utmost suspicion when they try to help kids. People sued because they failed to warn about every possible risk (like coffee being hot). And guess where it all starts? Situations like this. People who punish a girl for making the right choice, refusing drugs, and being honest.

I hope that you make a full and complete apology to Rachael Greer, and I would also encourage you to address the children of the nation in a speech APPLAUDING Rachael for making the right choice and just saying no to drugs. Maybe even get her to speak at an event where she can talk about how she did the right thing and refused drugs even though it meant she would be punished and would face national media attention for it.

It's the least you can do - for Rachael - and for all the other children who try to make good choices and fall victim to incompetent zero-tolerance policies that punish them for making good choices.

I pray you take the time to read this letter, to open your eyes to the consequences of YOUR actions, and to act in a manner consistent with the long-taught and cherished messages of "just say no" and "honesty is the best policy." Because, if you do, children like Rachael will learn to make good choices - which will lead to a better future for all children.

Blessings,

Mark