“You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything”

An “anonymous modern proverb” according to the quote investigator, link.

On April 18, 1947 Chaplain Peter Marshall spoke the following version in prayer:

“… Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for—because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.”

What are the nearly 90,000 of this community’s sons and daughters in the APS being taught to stand for, in order that they not fall for anything? What is being done district wide?

Nothing; by the admission of the “leadership” of the APS. They haven’t spent one thin dime.

The Albuquerque Public Schools is not engaged in any district wide effort to help students develop their good character. This despite an old (March 2, 1994) but still binding school board resolution wherein they promised to do just that; teach students about good character and provide for them, adult role models of good character.

The only explanation for the board’s refusal implement their resolution, which they have neither amended nor rescinded, came from school board president Don Duran; “It’s only a resolution.”

In the face of a school board member election, it is time for an open and honest public discussion of the 1994 resolution and of board member’s and candidate’s commitment to developing character in students.

It is incumbent upon the board, to summon amend, rescind, or re-endorse their resolution, link.

William Bennett has much to say on the obligation of schools in developing character.

If we want our children to possess the traits of character we most admire, we need to teach them what those traits are and why they deserve both admiration and allegiance. Children must learn to identify the forms and content of those traits. 

“The formation of character in young people is educationally a different task from and a prior task to, the discussion of the great, difficult ethical controversies of the day.”

“There is nothing more influential in a child’s life than the moral power of quiet example. For children to take morality seriously they must see adults take morality seriously.”

Example has more followers than reason. Bovee

Character is taught by example. If APS students are to grow into adults who embrace character and courage and honor, someone is going to have to show them what those look like.

To date, the board has declined to defend their abdication of their responsibilities as role models.

Is it because they cannot summon the character and the courage to be candid, forthright and honest with stake and interest holders about their (un)willingness to be held actually, honest to God accountable to meaningful standards of conduct and competence within their public service?

Of course it is; duh!