In Nothing But the Truth, what inaccuracies are in Jennifer Stewart's April 1st article and how might it influence the school budget vote and board member election?
In the article published on April 1st, Jennifer Stewart makes multiple misleading statements, many of which could negatively impact the upcoming school board election and budget approval. Stewart's opening sentence claims that Philip Malloy "was suspended for singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" (Avi 118). This inaccuracy coupled with the description of Philip's parents having "raise[d] their son to have pride" in his country paints the incident to seem like a case of injustice, in which Ms. Narwin has unfairly targeted the boy for merely being patriotic (Avi 118). In reality, Philip was "suspended for creating a disturbance" (Avi 120). Another inaccuracy occurs when Stewart claims that Philip sang the anthem "in every other class" (Avi 118). In reality, Philip did not choose to sing the anthem in Mr. Lunser's class on March 15, because he was studying last minute "to pass an exam" (Avi 8). Stewart's biased article does not...
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include a perspective from Ms. Narwin, which would have undercut her attempt to portray Philip Malloy as a victim.
The article in the Manchester Record casts Harrison High School in a negative light, potentially causing many readers in the community to doubt or question the professionalism of school staff and the handling of discipline. In an election year when the school district's budge is up for approval, even the slightest negative press could influence voters' decisions when heading to the polls.
In Nothing But the Truth, what inaccuracies are in Jennifer Stewart's April 1 article, and how might they influence votes?
In Nothing But the Truth by Avi, Jennifer Stewart's article on April 1 is inaccurate because she did not get all the facts. First of all, Philip was not suspended for singing "The Star Spangled Banner." He was suspended for repeated classroom disruptions. The school rule reads that students should stand at "respectful, silent attention" during the National Anthem, and because Philip does not like Ms. Narwin, he purposefully hums it aloud, which causes her to send him to the Assistant Principal's office for disrupting class. Philip had never been "patriotic" before and he was not being patriotic now. He is upset that his charm does not get him good grades in English class, so he blames his low scores on his teacher instead of taking responsibility himself.
The article also says, "Indeed, in every other class Philip did just that (sing). His new homeroom teacher, Ms. Margaret Narwin, however, changed the rules."
Philip never sang in any of his other classes. When he was in Mr. Lunser's class, Mr. Lunser once threatened to make him sing, but he was joking, and it never happened.
Stewart's article could cause problems because the townspeople will be voting on a school budget issue, and the school is already strapped financially. Another cut in funds could be very detrimental to the school. If the people believe the article, they may vote against increasing the school budget.