Informing of Misconduct by C. C. L.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

Informing of Misconduct

By C. C. L.

SHOULD a student ever tell the teacher of the misconduct of a fellow student? This is a practical question of great importance to both students and teachers—to students, because out of their answers will grow habits of thought and action which will affect vitally for good or evil their characters as men; to teachers, because upon its answer depends the nature and character of the government of the school.

A “tell-tale,” who informs the teacher of trifling misconduct to hide his own transgressions, to get revenge upon a fellow student, or to gain favor with the teacher, is universally and justly despised by teachers as well as by students. But when wrong conduct is so serious or so frequent as to imperil the welfare of the school, or when the teacher asks a student directly what he knows in regard to any matter, the question is far different. Let us consider somewhat carefully each of these conditions.

Here is a student who repeatedly violates the rules of the school. He does things which are immoral and vicious. He is leading others to do wrong. His influence is demoralizing, and his conduct, if extended to many others, would ruin young men and women and overthrow the school. But he is sly and cunning. He covers his tracks so skilfully that he is seldom caught, the extent of his work is unknown to the teacher, and his evil influence continues.

Here is a fellow student, however, who knows all about his wicked course. Again and again he has seen him in transgression. What is the duty of such a student? Should he quietly hold his peace and let the disorder go on when he might stop it by giving information to the proper authorities?—Surely not. By saying nothing he becomes responsible for the wrong he might have prevented. In the eyes of the civil law it is a crime to conceal a crime, and shall the moral obligations of a school, especially of a Christian school, be less binding than those of the state?

Suppose now the teacher, desiring to find out who has committed an offense against the government of the school, asks a student what he knows about the matter. Should the student refuse to tell?—Certainly not. The teacher is doing just what the grand jury does when it meets to inquire if crimes have been committed within its jurisdiction. It has a right to inquire, for it represents the people. It calls on persons who may have knowledge of offenses, places them under oath, and compels them to tell what they know. If they refuse to tell, they are classed with the criminals, and are held responsible for the crimes they conceal.

So it is in school life. The teacher has a right to ask a student what he knows about disorderly conduct. He should use good judgment, however, in the exercise of this right. He should not employ it in trifling matters, nor if he can obtain the desired information in another way. But he has the right, and every student should recognize that fact, and should respect the teacher’s authority, giving truthfully such information as he may possess. If he does not, he is training for a position on the side of the criminal against organized society.

The noble way to do in these matters is to remonstrate kindly with the wrong-doer, and tell him if he does not cease,

it will be your duty to inform the proper authorities. He may mock you, and dare you, and threaten you; but if you refuse to do your duty on that account, you are a moral coward, and are not a true friend to the wrong-doer.

C. C. L.