It has been said that the details of the Fellner case are of no one’s concern but those directly involved. I beg to differ. Here are just a few folks who have a vested interest in its outcome (aside from the accused and the accusers).
Anyone who yelled about the fireworks this year – if you got ticked off over such a minimal loss, wait until taxpayers get the final bill on a case that stemmed from a decision based on an obvious lack of knowledge and information.
Anyone who views having a child put their nose against a wall or preventing them from eating ice cream before eating their meal as acceptable forms of discipline.
Anyone who has ever suffered from the ramifications of having been falsely accused of wrong-doing without any factual basis.
Anyone who has ever regretted something they said or did to a child.
Anyone who wants to appreciate the responsibility and obstacles that our teachers have to contend with in this day and age.
Anyone who believes that our society has lost the core values of respect for authority and individual responsibility.
Anyone who recognizes the importance of genuinely disciplining children, not just pacifying them until the next adult comes along to baby sit.
Anyone who would feel just the slightest bit upset if they were falsely accused of harming children.
Anyone whose children attended a school whose administrators exposed them to such an allegedly dangerous person for nearly 3 years.
Anyone who works for (or would consider working for) the Oak Ridge school system who would mind facing a vote that was not only to terminate you unless you disproved generalized allegations, but also sought to eliminate your ability to earn a living in your chosen profession, only to have the whole process referred to as “moving forward.”
Trina Baughn 