Dear Editor: A Response to School Board Member Reiff

Dear Editor,

I would like to respectfully respond to James Reiff's letter in the Whitehall Ledger on February 19, 2025.

Mr. Reiff, I think you did not totally understand the problem with the Whitehall School Administration's handling of the play and the response from the community.

First of all, the school administration did not review the play draft in a timely manner, which resulted in a lot of drama from many sides. I firmly believe the drama teacher and the kids accepted the decision not to show the play to the student body, grades 8-12. They may not have liked the decision, but they accepted it.

Secondly, I firmly believe another problem was the very unfortunate interview with a very controversial Aaron Flint of Montana Talks radio show/podcast. The drama coach, Liz Pullman, was represented very negatively. I feel that the interview by the school administration was inappropriate and unfortunate.

Thirdly, there was the selective inquisition of the students when they returned to school after the Thespian Festival in Missoula, and the other adult chaperone was never questioned. The way the school administration treated Liz Pullman was inappropriate.

I believe those three factors resulted in most of the controversy. My parents taught me that when you make a mistake...own it and say you are sorry. The members of the drama club, their parents, Liz Pullman, and the community deserve an apology from the Whitehall School Administration. Our community can heal and move forward once the school administration stands tall and admits its responsibility in this issue.

Respectfully Yours,

JUDY CHADWICK

Whitehall, Montana