Too much (dolphin) pride?
Dear editor:
The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts was established to serve the state's population of gifted students. It is intended to provide unmatched rigor and has succeeded in this task. The ASMSA experience is unlike any other. Thus, one could reasonably expect administrators to turn to the student population for the purest look at the reality of life on campus. In recent years, however, administrators seem to turn to their own intuition and understanding.
In highlighting some recent situations that illustrate the need for a new vision, the administration has been accused of taking power and influence away from the Student Government Association, which has a long history of open communication with administration. The SGA Constitution has been "corrected" numerous times in recent years by the administration instead of by the students who hold that power. On a broader scale, the Class of 2019 faced undue challenges at every turn, including impromptu changes to the school's capstone research requirements.
The ongoing issue of favoring students with apparent ties to donors threatens the school's ability to uphold the weight of its own reputation. Underprivileged students are promised a level playing field at ASMSA and are instead met with another stage where the rich and powerful seem to play the starring roles.
Make no mistake: ASMSA is an amazing institution and the state is better for its existence, but the community of learning that has served thousands of students in its 25 years of existence cannot continue down this current path while maintaining its position among the top schools in the country.
The Class of 2019 might not share the same sentiments as so many of us who have come before them. Their opinions were forgotten about in too many situations. This letter is written for them, and apologies abounding are owed to them. I hope they accept this as mine.
Regardless of individual opinions over the handling of recent situations, one thing is clear: due process is no longer of much concern. Parents must discontinue their practices of blind trust in the school's leadership and start asking "why."
Benjamin Franklin has been quoted as having said, "It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority." It is not unreasonable for stakeholders to question the leadership of the institution and request a more thorough account of recent actions.
If anything, the greatest harm to the school's reputation has come from failure to fully respond to recent accusations. When a problem exists, it can be discussed rather than denied or ignored. A leader must recognize that an individual's perception is their personal reality, and do everything in their power to ensure situations are handled with the care their community deserves.
Conversely, students must be prepared to listen to those entrusted with their education. Jumping to conclusions in situations such as these can cause harm to the greater community.
Will the captain correct course, or will the boat continue to rock until the wrong person falls off?
With hopes for calmer waters,
A former student, concerned for his home,
Brock Rigsby
Lonsdale
Editorial on 04/17/2019