The Wrong Lesson

What lessons can one learn from the fracas at St. Joseph School in Placentia (“Former Principal Sues School, Diocese Over Dismissal,” Jan. 15)? Well, for starters:

1. Don’t be an advocate for the health and safety of students and teachers. It’s safer (with respect to job preservation) to “go with the flow.”

2. Don’t bother to investigate a potential health hazard. Just pretend there is no problem.

3. State laws need not be observed if a less stringent federal statute exists.

I hope Marion Patzem prevails in her suit, if only to demonstrate to young people that honesty is still the best policy in this society.

JAMES SPERBER

San Juan Capistrano