Editing "Heritage or Hate?"
After I finished my first draft of my story on the presence of the Confederate Flag in SHS, I was dissatisfied. The story seemed wandering and long-winded, and as I read it over and over again, I lost the human stories behind a fog of superfluous writing. I sought the assistance of Tyson Bird, a Cedar Post alum, and my adviser to rework the piece. I identified that I needed to emphasize the people of the story, and provide more historical context to the symbol. Tyson also encouraged me to separate out the story into sections, which helped me overall improve the previously-clunky flow of the text.
"Heritage or Hate?" Draft One
Recent controversy has been sparked at the school between parents, students, and administration regarding a sensitive political and historical emblem: the Confederate Flag.
Senior Jeremiah Voelz proudly sports the Confederate Flag as a symbol of states’ rights and rebellion. Voelz has a sticker on his truck, a hat bearing the symbol, and a flag that he keeps at home. For others, it is a symbol of racism and repression of non-white people.
“If people actually just sit down and think about it, I think they would realize that it isn’t about racism at all,” Voelz said. “Employees that I work with freak out about my sticker on my truck, but that’s just because people don’t understand it.”
A parent recently approached the administration with concerns regarding the presence of the Confederate Flag in the school.
“We’re trying to be sensitive to those concerns, but at the same time, recognize students’ right for free speech,” Derek Dickinson, Assistant Principal, said.
Dickinson said that he and Tom Albertson, Principal, sought the advice of the Lake Pend Oreille School District Attorney and Shawn Woodward, Superintendent, on how to properly address the complaint.
As ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. School. Dist. (1969), a case in which students were sent home for wearing armbands protesting the Vietnam War, school officials must be able to justify that the conduct in question would "materially and substantially interfere" with the operation of the school in order to suppress students’ speech.
“We need to balance between...the students’ right to free speech, but also we have to make sure we protect the learning environment and prevent disruptions,” Dickinson said. “Then we have to look at whether the display discriminates against anyone or causes harm to them.”
Though some individuals have been approached and asked to remove clothing that features the flag, no official disciplinary action has been taken.
Confederate Flag items are weighed on a case-by-case basis in regard of their potential for impact on the learning environment. Dickinson said that stickers in the parking lot are considered differently than garments featuring the emblem because clothing can more directly affect the learning environment.
Debate at SHS regarding the meaning of the Confederate Flag runs deep: for some students, the flag represents heritage and states’ rights, but for others, it’s role in North Idaho’s long-withstanding history of racist groups associates it with hatred.
Local white-supremacist groups such as the Aryan Nations have celebrated the Confederate Flag for decades. Founded by Richard Butler in the 70’s, the group worked diligently from their compound north of Hayden Lake to promote anti-Semitism and fear through terror campaigns that included multiple bombings of downtown Coeur d’Alene buildings. They proudly flew the Confederate Flag at parades alongside the Aryan Nations and Nazi flags.
Because of this history, many locals associate the flag with prejudice and hatred.
For Wesley Holland, senior, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of his family’s heritage.
“I find it American,” he said. “My family is from the South, from Oklahoma. They flew it, and I just see it as a lifestyle.” Holland does not associate the flag with racism.
Damien Gooding, US History teacher, interprets the flag differently than Voelz and Holland.
"Historically, [it] is a symbol of the Confederate States of America, a failed, self-proclaimed nation founded on a belief in white supremacy and dedicated to the practice of slavery," Gooding said. “[In] the Declarations of Secession, Southern leaders were quite clear on the slaveholding principles and rights they considered sacred. I think that most Americans today perceive that Confederate society and its battle flag as undemocratic and immoral."
Some students of color agree more with Gooding’s interpretation of the Confederate Flag’s meaning. For Tyrone Larson, junior, it’s a symbol of his ancestors’ enslavement.
“People say that it means something different, but it does have to do with African-American slavery,” Larson said. “Everytime I see [the Confederate Flag], I get a flashback of my aunts and uncles and great grandpa's getting whipped, and when I see them, I feel like those [sporting it] support that.”
Lynn Bridges, President of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, believes that civil discourse, or the engagement in conversation intended to enhance understanding, is required for societal growth.
“Much of free speech about religion or politics can and is controversial and can be offensive to those with a strong differing view,” Bridges said. “For some, the Confederate Flag is seen as a political symbol of states’ rights. For others it promotes racism and hatred through the systematic repression of people who are different than those displaying the flag.”
Recent controversy has been sparked at the school between parents, students, and administration regarding a sensitive political and historical emblem: the Confederate Flag.
Senior Jeremiah Voelz proudly sports the Confederate Flag as a symbol of states’ rights and rebellion. Voelz has a sticker on his truck, a hat bearing the symbol, and a flag that he keeps at home. For others, it is a symbol of racism and repression of non-white people.
“If people actually just sit down and think about it, I think they would realize that it isn’t about racism at all,” Voelz said. “Employees that I work with freak out about my sticker on my truck, but that’s just because people don’t understand it.”
A parent recently approached the administration with concerns regarding the presence of the Confederate Flag in the school.
“We’re trying to be sensitive to those concerns, but at the same time, recognize students’ right for free speech,” Derek Dickinson, Assistant Principal, said.
Dickinson said that he and Tom Albertson, Principal, sought the advice of the Lake Pend Oreille School District Attorney and Shawn Woodward, Superintendent, on how to properly address the complaint.
As ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. School. Dist. (1969), a case in which students were sent home for wearing armbands protesting the Vietnam War, school officials must be able to justify that the conduct in question would "materially and substantially interfere" with the operation of the school in order to suppress students’ speech.
“We need to balance between...the students’ right to free speech, but also we have to make sure we protect the learning environment and prevent disruptions,” Dickinson said. “Then we have to look at whether the display discriminates against anyone or causes harm to them.”
Though some individuals have been approached and asked to remove clothing that features the flag, no official disciplinary action has been taken.
Confederate Flag items are weighed on a case-by-case basis in regard of their potential for impact on the learning environment. Dickinson said that stickers in the parking lot are considered differently than garments featuring the emblem because clothing can more directly affect the learning environment.
Debate at SHS regarding the meaning of the Confederate Flag runs deep: for some students, the flag represents heritage and states’ rights, but for others, it’s role in North Idaho’s long-withstanding history of racist groups associates it with hatred.
Local white-supremacist groups such as the Aryan Nations have celebrated the Confederate Flag for decades. Founded by Richard Butler in the 70’s, the group worked diligently from their compound north of Hayden Lake to promote anti-Semitism and fear through terror campaigns that included multiple bombings of downtown Coeur d’Alene buildings. They proudly flew the Confederate Flag at parades alongside the Aryan Nations and Nazi flags.
Because of this history, many locals associate the flag with prejudice and hatred.
For Wesley Holland, senior, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of his family’s heritage.
“I find it American,” he said. “My family is from the South, from Oklahoma. They flew it, and I just see it as a lifestyle.” Holland does not associate the flag with racism.
Damien Gooding, US History teacher, interprets the flag differently than Voelz and Holland.
"Historically, [it] is a symbol of the Confederate States of America, a failed, self-proclaimed nation founded on a belief in white supremacy and dedicated to the practice of slavery," Gooding said. “[In] the Declarations of Secession, Southern leaders were quite clear on the slaveholding principles and rights they considered sacred. I think that most Americans today perceive that Confederate society and its battle flag as undemocratic and immoral."
Some students of color agree more with Gooding’s interpretation of the Confederate Flag’s meaning. For Tyrone Larson, junior, it’s a symbol of his ancestors’ enslavement.
“People say that it means something different, but it does have to do with African-American slavery,” Larson said. “Everytime I see [the Confederate Flag], I get a flashback of my aunts and uncles and great grandpa's getting whipped, and when I see them, I feel like those [sporting it] support that.”
Lynn Bridges, President of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, believes that civil discourse, or the engagement in conversation intended to enhance understanding, is required for societal growth.
“Much of free speech about religion or politics can and is controversial and can be offensive to those with a strong differing view,” Bridges said. “For some, the Confederate Flag is seen as a political symbol of states’ rights. For others it promotes racism and hatred through the systematic repression of people who are different than those displaying the flag.”
"Heritage or Hate?" Draft Two
Senior Jeremiah Voelz proudly sports the Confederate Flag as a symbol of states’ rights and rebellion. Voelz has a sticker on his truck, a hat bearing the symbol, and a flag that he keeps at home.
“Employees that I work with freak out about my sticker on my truck, but that’s just because people don’t understand it,” Voelz said. “If people actually just sit down and think about it, I think they would realize that it isn’t about racism at all.”
For others, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of racism and repression of non-white people. Regardless of one’s personal interpretation of the flag, it students’ first amendment right to bear it.
Free Expression in Public Schools
A parent recently approached the administration with concerns regarding the presence of the Confederate Flag in the school.
“We’re trying to be sensitive to those concerns, but at the same time, recognize students’ right for free speech,” Assistant Principal Derek Dickinson said.
Dickinson said that he and Principal Tom Albertson sought the advice of the Lake Pend Oreille School District Attorney and Superintendent Shawn Woodward on how to properly address the complaint.
As ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. School. Dist. (1969), a case in which students were sent home for wearing armbands protesting the Vietnam War, school officials must be able to justify that the conduct in question would “materially and substantially interfere” with the operation of the school in order to suppress students’ speech.
“We need to balance between...the students’ right to free speech, but also we have to make sure we protect the learning environment and prevent disruptions,” Dickinson said. “Then we have to look at whether the display discriminates against anyone or causes harm to them.”
Though some individuals have been approached and asked to remove clothing that features the flag, no official disciplinary action has been taken.
Confederate Flag items are weighed on a case-by-case basis in regard of their potential for impact on the learning environment. Dickinson said that stickers in the parking lot are considered differently than garments featuring the emblem because clothing can more directly affect the learning environment.
Confederate flags and North Idaho
Debate at SHS regarding the meaning of the Confederate Flag runs deep: for some students, the flag represents heritage and states’ rights, but for others, it’s role in North Idaho’s long-withstanding history of racist groups associates it with hatred.
Local white-supremacist groups such as the Aryan Nations have celebrated the Confederate Flag for decades. Founded by Richard Butler in the 70’s, the group worked from their compound north of Hayden Lake to promote anti-Semitism and fear through terror campaigns that included multiple bombings of downtown Coeur d’Alene buildings.
They proudly flew the Confederate Flag at parades alongside the Aryan Nations and Nazi flags. Because of this history, many locals associate the flag with prejudice and hatred.
A Difference in Meaning
For Senior Wesley Holland, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of his family’s heritage.
“I find it American,” he said. “My family is from the South, from Oklahoma. They flew it, and I just see it as a lifestyle.”
Holland does not associate the flag with racism.
US History teacher Damien Gooding interprets the flag differently than Voelz and Holland.
“Historically, [it] is a symbol of the Confederate States of America, a failed, self-proclaimed nation founded on a belief in white supremacy and dedicated to the practice of slavery,” Gooding said. “[In] the Declarations of Secession, Southern leaders were quite clear on the slaveholding principles and rights they considered sacred. I think that most Americans today perceive that Confederate society and its battle flag as undemocratic and immoral.”
Some students of color agree more with Gooding’s interpretation of the Confederate Flag’s meaning. For Tyrone Larson, junior, it’s a symbol of his ancestors’ enslavement.
“People say that it means something different, but it does have to do with African-American slavery,” Larson said. “Everytime I see the Confederate Flag, I get a flashback of my [ancestors] getting whipped, and when I see them, I feel like those [bearing the flag] support that.”
Lynn Bridges, President of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, believes that civil discourse, or the engagement in conversation intended to enhance understanding, is required for societal growth.
“Much of free speech about religion or politics can and is controversial and can be offensive to those with a strong differing view,” Bridges said. “To have productive civil discourse we need to have conversations with people we may not agree with.”
Article posted here.
“Employees that I work with freak out about my sticker on my truck, but that’s just because people don’t understand it,” Voelz said. “If people actually just sit down and think about it, I think they would realize that it isn’t about racism at all.”
For others, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of racism and repression of non-white people. Regardless of one’s personal interpretation of the flag, it students’ first amendment right to bear it.
Free Expression in Public Schools
A parent recently approached the administration with concerns regarding the presence of the Confederate Flag in the school.
“We’re trying to be sensitive to those concerns, but at the same time, recognize students’ right for free speech,” Assistant Principal Derek Dickinson said.
Dickinson said that he and Principal Tom Albertson sought the advice of the Lake Pend Oreille School District Attorney and Superintendent Shawn Woodward on how to properly address the complaint.
As ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. School. Dist. (1969), a case in which students were sent home for wearing armbands protesting the Vietnam War, school officials must be able to justify that the conduct in question would “materially and substantially interfere” with the operation of the school in order to suppress students’ speech.
“We need to balance between...the students’ right to free speech, but also we have to make sure we protect the learning environment and prevent disruptions,” Dickinson said. “Then we have to look at whether the display discriminates against anyone or causes harm to them.”
Though some individuals have been approached and asked to remove clothing that features the flag, no official disciplinary action has been taken.
Confederate Flag items are weighed on a case-by-case basis in regard of their potential for impact on the learning environment. Dickinson said that stickers in the parking lot are considered differently than garments featuring the emblem because clothing can more directly affect the learning environment.
Confederate flags and North Idaho
Debate at SHS regarding the meaning of the Confederate Flag runs deep: for some students, the flag represents heritage and states’ rights, but for others, it’s role in North Idaho’s long-withstanding history of racist groups associates it with hatred.
Local white-supremacist groups such as the Aryan Nations have celebrated the Confederate Flag for decades. Founded by Richard Butler in the 70’s, the group worked from their compound north of Hayden Lake to promote anti-Semitism and fear through terror campaigns that included multiple bombings of downtown Coeur d’Alene buildings.
They proudly flew the Confederate Flag at parades alongside the Aryan Nations and Nazi flags. Because of this history, many locals associate the flag with prejudice and hatred.
A Difference in Meaning
For Senior Wesley Holland, the Confederate Flag is a symbol of his family’s heritage.
“I find it American,” he said. “My family is from the South, from Oklahoma. They flew it, and I just see it as a lifestyle.”
Holland does not associate the flag with racism.
US History teacher Damien Gooding interprets the flag differently than Voelz and Holland.
“Historically, [it] is a symbol of the Confederate States of America, a failed, self-proclaimed nation founded on a belief in white supremacy and dedicated to the practice of slavery,” Gooding said. “[In] the Declarations of Secession, Southern leaders were quite clear on the slaveholding principles and rights they considered sacred. I think that most Americans today perceive that Confederate society and its battle flag as undemocratic and immoral.”
Some students of color agree more with Gooding’s interpretation of the Confederate Flag’s meaning. For Tyrone Larson, junior, it’s a symbol of his ancestors’ enslavement.
“People say that it means something different, but it does have to do with African-American slavery,” Larson said. “Everytime I see the Confederate Flag, I get a flashback of my [ancestors] getting whipped, and when I see them, I feel like those [bearing the flag] support that.”
Lynn Bridges, President of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, believes that civil discourse, or the engagement in conversation intended to enhance understanding, is required for societal growth.
“Much of free speech about religion or politics can and is controversial and can be offensive to those with a strong differing view,” Bridges said. “To have productive civil discourse we need to have conversations with people we may not agree with.”
Article posted here.
Copy Editing
In my first few months as Editor-in-Chief, I inherently assumed the role of Copy Editor to help brand new staffers establish and improve their reporting skills. Below are some screenshots of feedback I gave to a staffer on her very first story. Most Cedar Post reporters struggle at first to transition from the essay-style writing to which we are accustomed to the novelty of journalistic writing. Properly stylized attributions, adherence to AP style guidelines and a more interesting lead helped to clean up Ahna's story and found her news writing ability. The published draft was featured in the First Day Edition, and Ahna's writing has continued to improve henceforth.
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Consistentcy in Print Elements
Any of the Cedar Post's paper editors will tell you that I can be very meticulous about consistency in paper elements and adherence to AP style. Every issue, I remind editors daily to check that all quotes are properly attributed, all digits less than ten are spelled out, all columns are justified, and all internal margins are 2 pikas, among a plethora of other things. Here's a list I wrote on the board to remind everyone this past issue.
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