young boy of color sitting at a desk with an open notebook on it

The Freedom Writers Diary

by Erin Gruwell

Start Free Trial

Student Question

Do you agree with Eva's decision in the movie Freedom Writers?

Quick answer:

Eva's decision in the movie Freedom Writers to tell the truth at Grant Rice's murder trial is justified. Despite the danger to herself, Eva realizes the value of truth and integrity after learning about the Holocaust in her teacher's class. She bravely reveals the real shooter, Paco, showing her growth and commitment to justice over gang loyalty.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In the movie Freedom Writers, Eva Benitez correctly decides to tell the truth at Grant Rice's murder trial, even though this puts her in jeopardy. Let's examine what happens.

Eva's boyfriend, Paco, is a gang member who has a grudge against Grant after coming out on the losing end of a fight. The teens meet up at a convenience store, and Paco takes a shot at Grant from the car. He misses and kills the boyfriend of Eva's classmate Sindy instead. Grant, in terror, runs from the scene, and the police believe that he must be the one who fired the shot.

Eva decides at that time that she will protect “her own” when she is called as a witness in Grant's murder trial. But in the weeks and months that follow, Eva learns about the Holocaust in her teacher Erin Gruewell's class, and her perspective begins to change. She learns the value of truth and integrity even in the midst of great hardship.

When Grant comes to trial, Eva faces a difficult choice. She knows that Grant is innocent, just like the victims of the Holocaust. Eva decides to tell the truth even if that means “betraying” Paco and the gang. Eva describes what really happened on the night of the shooting and reveals who was really responsible. She takes a risk, but she has done the right thing.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial