Good Evening.
My name is Sharon Palermino and I would like to thank you for the time
you are giving me to share not only my admiration, but more importantly,
my respect for Professor John Bonnell.
I have been a full time wife and mother for
almost 25 years, and in 1999, 1 decided to attend Macomb Community College
in order to pursue a career. I admit I was concerned that I wouldn't fit
in with the younger students who appear to rule the daytime classes, but
I was excited to have the opportunity to enhance my mind as well as my
life. It is now 2001 and here I am --- a full time student, still a full
time mom and wife, an active
volunteer in my community and church, an employee at the South Campus
Learning Center, a novice Book Back Buyer for the Follett Company, and
the manager of a part time catering business.
Shortly after beginning my new education,
I began taking English classes taught by Professors Baltman and Beecher--and
that is when I discovered my appreciation for literature. After exhausting
the classes these two men taught, I decided to expand my horizons and take
a Western Literature class with Professor Bonnell. I avoided his classes
in the past because of the newspaper articles I had read, along with the
gossip and rumors that were flying around campus. I considered myself to
be a "proper woman"--I did not approve of foul language, nor did I approve
of people that used it. It was my experiences that "swear" words were spoken
in fits of anger or rage, and that both men and women used them as a tool
of force [with] which to hurt or belittle other human beings. But, I was
feeling daring; hey, I was a college student! I'd give this Bonnell guy
a shot, and if I didn't like his methods, I knew I could drop the class...
Well, there is only a couple of more weeks
to go, and I have to confess; I want to declare --- that I have never learned
or enjoyed any class as much as I have this one! John Bonnell is not only
an educator; he is a living example of honesty, integrity, and sincerity.
His ability to use vernacular in the classroom
to enhance the student's comprehension of the subject matter, is one of
the most remarkable teaching methods I have witnessed since returning to
the classroom. The removal of Professor Bonnll from the classroom would
deny future students the opportunity to experience literature taught by
a man whose only desire is to bestow his passion for the English language,
on others.
I hope that this college will continue to strive to provide its students
with only the finest teachers possible. If you do not think Professor Bonnell
qualifies as exemplary, then I need to ask you, "Have you ever participated
in one of his classes?"
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen,
My name is Christine Christel and I am a full time student here at Macomb
Community College.
I am compelled to speak to all of you on behalf
of Professor John Bonnell. I'd like to tell you from a woman's point of
view that Mr. Bonnell poses no threat to women, or anyone for that matter,
on this campus, or off. I am speaking to you from experience as I have
already taken two English classes with Professor Bonnell. I have witnessed
firsthand what you describe as a "hostile learning environment" and let
me assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. His classes
are full with many students taking 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th classes with
him. In no way nor at any time has he degraded anyone in our class. He
does not coerce or intimidate us to plead his case. Our right to
free speech should not be squelched because someone doesn't like the sound
of it; it may not always be music to everyone's ears--so change the station--don't
discard the radio.
We all have a right to choose. This is college--not
grade school. While I can appreciate your intention to "protect" students
and the college's good name, at the same time I feel your efforts are misguided.
I resent the fact that it is implied that the women here at Macomb do not
know the difference between a learning environment and a hostile learning
environment. We are all old enough to make our own decisions and we are
capable of doing so. I feel I am astute enough to know when my learning
has been interfered with and that is simply not the case with Mr. Bonnell's
teaching style. There are a great number of students who agree that Professor
Bonnell should not be suspended. I firmly believe that I will become a
better teacher because of what this man taught me. His courage in the face
of adversity is undaunt[ed]. That alone is an inspiration to all college
students everywhere.
Although I am speaking for myself this evening,
I am not alone. Many other students feel the same way. Please allow current
and future students the opportunity to benefit from this teacher's wisdom,
integrity, and kindness as so many of us were lucky enough to experience.
Let him continue to do the job that we students hire him to do--what he
has dedicated his life to do--and what he has been doing passionately for
more than three decades--Teach Enqlish! Thank you.