As an educator, when I craft a college recommendation, I’m putting my name and reputation on the line to support a young person stepping into the next chapter of their life. However, if a student does something truly outrageous—like committing a hate crime—I absolutely have every right to withdraw my support. Let’s be clear: I’m under no obligation to write recommendations at all. I do this voluntarily, in my own time, outside of school hours. These letters are mine, not the school’s or the student’s. Therefore, it’s completely within my rights to rescind one, although I would never do so lightly or without serious consideration.
Recently, a community in Massachusetts found itself in turmoil after a teacher withdrew a recommendation for a student who used tape to create a swastika on a school wall. Three teachers in Stoughton faced disciplinary action related to their responses to this incident. Two of them, one being a veteran, received reprimands for discussing the matter publicly after police concluded that the student’s actions didn’t meet the threshold for a hate crime and the school opted not to inform parents.
While some may argue these moments are “teachable,” it’s disheartening that the student’s parents felt it was “unfair” for the teachers to address the situation constructively. This type of reaction is all too common; parents often rush to defend their children rather than allowing them to face the repercussions of their actions.
The third teacher went a step further than merely discussing the incident. They contacted a college to revoke the recommendation they had written for the student, providing a clear explanation for their decision. In response, the student’s parents lodged a formal complaint with the school board, claiming the teacher’s actions harmed their child. The outcome? The superintendent imposed a 20-day suspension on the teacher.
Here’s the kicker: teachers are not legally bound to conceal a student’s behavior from colleges. Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools can disclose student records without parental consent during the college admissions process. FERPA states that a school may share educational records with another institution where a student intends to enroll. Therefore, if a teacher rescinds a recommendation, they’re well within their rights to disclose relevant information.
Personally, I would have no hesitation in withdrawing my endorsement for a student who engaged in such behavior. The student in question has committed a blatant hate crime, and there’s ample justification for rescinding a recommendation in this case.
Actions have consequences. The student should face repercussions for their behavior, not the teachers who sought to educate their peers about bigotry and anti-Semitism or who declined to recommend someone based on such reprehensible conduct. This teacher made the right decision and deserves to be reinstated without hesitation. As parents, we need to step back and allow our children to learn from their mistakes instead of fighting every battle for them, especially when they’re clearly in the wrong.
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In summary, teachers have the right to write and rescind recommendation letters based on students’ behavior. The recent uproar in Massachusetts illustrates this point, as a teacher faced suspension for withdrawing support from a student who engaged in hate-filled actions. Ultimately, accountability is crucial, and it’s essential for parents to allow their children to face the consequences of their actions.