Teacher wrong to present masturbation images to 9-year-olds
Karen Maresh should have known better. The Wright Elementary School art teacher was wrong to show a video to her class that included images of two males masturbating each other with the words “Safe Sex” written above it. The same video also included an image of male genitalia. Maresh has the right to view whatever she deems appropriate on her own time, in her own place, on her own computer (for the most part). As a public school teacher, she does not have the right to force her students to view the same.
We are defenders of the first amendment and freedom of expression in art and literary works, but even we draw the line when it comes to children. In this country, parents have rights and should not have to worry about their kids being subjected to what are generally considered pornographic images in the classroom.
Yes, students could access this video and items of much greater concern on the Internet, in public libraries and even in this newspaper, but there is a difference between providing and presenting. Maresh chose to present these images to elementary-aged children, and she should face serious consequences for her decision.
Does this rise to the level of a criminal act? No, and Des Moines police and the county attorney properly responded by not following through with charges. The Des Moines School District also acted appropriately by placing Maresh on paid leave while investigating the matter further. But school district officials are wrong in stating that they will not make the findings of their investigation public.
Wright Elementary is not a private school but a tax-funded institution. We as tax-payers have a right to know how those whose salaries we pay will be disciplined for actions such as these. This is not a privacy issue; it is a matter of public concern.
Maresh allegedly said she didn’t think students would notice the obscene pictures. In stating such, she admitted to knowingly making the decision. Now she must face the appropriate consequences, which we trust will be severe.
Too bad we will never know. CV
