Reference no: EM133033076
Mr. Peterson teaches a social studies class in the local high school. Because of hisgreat rapport with his students, he is known as one of the best teachers in the school.One day after a class discussion of contemporary problems in America, several classmembers approached Mr. Peterson in his office to tell him that they planned to boycott the school cafeteria in support of the migrant farm workers across the country.Previously, the students had picketed the local grocery store and passed out leaflets intheir neighborhood. They had also circulated a petition and had written letters to theschool authorities in an attempt to stop the school from purchasing non-union lettuceand grapes. Both of these attempts to change school policy had failed.
The students indicated that they not only planned to boycott the cafeteria, but hopedto shut it down by setting up a picket line during lunch hours. The students told Mr.Peterson about the planned boycott because of the many class discussions in whichthey had talked about the American tradition of protest. They also insisted that thesuccess of the boycott depended on Mr. Peterson not breaking their confidence; theydid not want the school administration to know about the plans.
Mr. Peterson feels sure that other teachers and the administration do not know aboutthe planned boycott. He also knows that part of the student body would not besympathetic to the boycott and this could result in a physical confrontation. Accordingto the school rule, any organized student gathering on school grounds must be cleared by school officials. Mr. Peterson also knows that faculty members are supposed tonotify the school administration of any activity which may interfere with the schoolschedule.
Mr. Peterson discussed the various implications of the boycott with the students. Thestudents understand these; however, they are determined to go through with the plan.
Should Mr. Peterson tell the school administration of the impending boycott and picket line? Why, or why not?