It’s not a new story, but I have to wonder what has become of character and integrity. A years-long cheating ring has been busted up at Chapel Hill High School, whose students are known for high academic achievement. Teachers feel betrayed, as they should. According to the News & Observer, which details what Principal Jackie Ellis says has occured:
The cheating apparently went on for several years, with the key being passed from one year’s graduates to the next and with an ever larger circle of students keeping the secret, Ellis told parents in another e-mail last week. “Evidently a large number of students were aware that this was happening and remained silent,” she wrote.
Some students are wondering if/how the cheating might have impacted who was accepted to which college.
Student body president Ellie Jesse, 18, said the cheating has upset students and teachers at the school.
“There’s a lot of anger right now, especially the senior class,” she said. “The faculty feel so betrayed.”
Cheaters may have gained an edge in class rankings that help decide college admissions, students said.
“Not only is it not morally or ethically right, it affects everyone else,” said Kira Borman, 16, student body vice president. “How you stand with the other kids affects getting into schools. It stops you from maybe getting into the college of your choice.”
Even worse, in my view, is that a lot of students evidently knew about the cheating ring and failed to tell administrators. Condoning cheating is the same as cheating.
