LETTER: WHY TEACHERS LACK RESPECT

I find it incredible that Elizabeth Goodwin, president of the Des Moines School Board, would consider anti-gay comments "are what I consider fad words at this time" ("Gay Slurs Abound, Students Say," March 7). Where has she been hibernating for the past 30 years?

Further, she thought it would be difficult for a teacher to stop a class and immediately address the issue when such a slur was said; "I think the teacher would be heckled."

When does she believe it SHOULD be addressed? Ye gads! For the president of the school board to take the position that a teacher should not address a problem for fear of being heckled is, indeed, sad, and demonstrates extremely poor leadership.

Any disciplinary problem should be corrected at the time it occurs. I was a student in the '40s, and teachers did not hesitate to discipline immediately, and firmly. It was understood by all that discipline would be swift and firm. I believe we are the better for it.

-- F.L. Henderson, 713 33rd St., West Des Moines