Macomb Community College
Roseville, Michigan
January 25, 1999

To Whom It May Concern:

As a former student of Macomb Community College and of Mr. John Bonnell, I
was shocked to read in the Macomb Daily of his three-day suspension. I
thoroughly enjoyed his class and gained an abundance of knowledge.

Since Mr. Bonnell's class, I have had a better understanding of literature,
and am even more critical of how I read it. This has been a great asset to
my education at Wayne State University. I completely enjoyed his class, and
recommend it to anyone who needs to take English 122.

I still remember my first day when he explains the class content, what is
expected of the students and what we should expect of him. John did not mince words, or beat around the bush; he did however suggest to students who may be offended by any language used by himself or other students [to] transfer to another section. He also advised that if a significant number of students object to his teaching style, he would certainly conduct the class in manner in which everyone was comfortable. Therefore, any student who sits through the class and is offended should have transferred out the first day, or objected on that first day. Any language used in his class has always been in context with the literature
being read. Unless I am mistaken, I thought we were adult college students
exposed to various types of award winning literature. It is a shame there is
a student on a witch-hunt out for a settlement, while his current students
must suffer for three days while he is suspended for something this absurd.
Most people who have to take English 122 specifically take the course with
his name next to it because of his outstanding reputation as a Professor who
makes a difference.
Shame on you for succumbing to a student's frivolous accusation, when his
teaching approach has never been a secret to the college or the students.

Thank you for your time and consideration

Sincerely,
Rebecca M. Ellis
1997 Macomb Community College Alumni and current student at Wayne State
University
 
 
 

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