On March 21st I posted information regarding a job opening for a School
Library Media Specialist at Shelter Rock Elementary School in Manhasset. It
included information about a variety of conditions, events and circumstances
within the Manhasset Community that would have an impact on an employee’s
ability to perform their job. This information was intended to allow any
qualified
candidate to make an informed decision as to whether or not Manhasset
Schools is the right place for them to start or advance their career. In no way
was it meant to discourage anyone from applying.
I feel it is necessary to notify all LM_NET members of an unfortunate
outcome as a result of my posting. Although I have already received positive
feedback and questions from several prospective candidates who have chosen to
forward their resume to our Personnel Department, there was also a negative
backlash from several members of the Manhasset Community who strongly objected to
my posting. This included a call directly to one of our Assistant
Superintendents.
I stand by all of my statements and facts within that posting. As a Library
Media Specialist it is essential to teach the necessity to verify and
validate all resources and to look objectively at arguments on both sides of an
issue before formulating and informed opinion. I encourage all interested
parties to visit the Manhasset Union Free School District website at
www.manhasset.k12.ny.us and the Manhasset Education Association website at
www.manhassetea.org to learn more. Contact information is available on both
websites. A
wealth of information about Manhasset is also available in Newsday, The New
York Times and The Manhasset Press (www.antonnews.com/manhassetpress/).
The Manhasset Community is comprised of a majority of well-meaning parents
who support quality education. Their children are the reason so many of us
have chosen and still choose to work in Manhasset. We hope that doesn't change
because of the actions of several vocal members of the community who clearly
have an objective that is contrary to our mission: “Making Excellence
Achievable.”
As librarians, issues of censorship, freedom of speech and intellectual
freedom is near and dear to our hearts.
As Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas stated: “Restriction of free
thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one
un-American act that could most easily defeat us.”
I welcome your comments on this topic.
Mr. Edward R. Vasta, Library Media Specialist
President of The Manhasset Education Association
Manhasset High School
200 Memorial Place
Manhasset, NY 11030
Phone: 516-267-7586
Fax: 516-267-7587
Email: edvasta@aol.com
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