Cop takes 'midnight photos' of teacher's classroom

Times Argus ^ | David Delcore

[anniegetyourgun]

BARRE – John Mott and Tom Treece have at least one thing in common. Make that two.

Both men think they have been unfairly accused and, if you believe their critics, both have had a chilling impact on students at Spaulding High School.

Mott is the Barre Town police officer who admits he spent part of an early morning break last month photographing student projects in the classroom of a controversial history teacher.

Treece is that teacher. A passionate pacifist, he has been skewered publicly by critics who say he is pedaling his personal political views to the students in his class. Part of the proof, critics say, is in the photographs Mott took when he visited the high school April 9 while on duty, in uniform, and out of his jurisdiction.

The photographs were taken at around 1:30 a.m. after Mott, who once worked at Spaulding, persuaded a custodian to unlock the door to the classroom Treece shares with another teacher.

Mott isn’t apologizing for his actions and says he has at least temporarily refused orders from Barre Town Police Chief Michael Stevens and Town Manager Carl Rogers to supply school officials with copies of the photographs.

“I’m going to speak to an attorney first,” he said.

Mott disputes an account of the April 9 incident contained in a letter written by school Superintendent Dorothy Anderson to the police chief.

Specifically, Mott disputes Anderson’s claim that he “banged on the front door” of the high school to get the attention of night custodian Arnold Cliche, and that Cliche opened the door and let him in.

“It didn’t happen that way,” he said.

According to Mott, he entered the school through an unlocked maintenance door, found Cliche and asked him to unlock the door to Treece’s classroom room so he could take photographs with his personal camera. Although he was on duty at the time, Mott maintains that he was on a break and wanted to photograph student projects that offended him as an American and a retired military man.

“I wanted everybody else to see what was in that room. You can’t explain it,” he said.

Among the student projects that Mott said he photographed were a poster of the President Bush with duct tape over his mouth and a large papier-mâché combat boot with the American flag stuffed inside stepping on a doll. He said there also were pictures of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and his former chief lieutenant, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, posted on the walls.

“Having spent 30 years in uniform, I was insulted,” he said. “… I’m just taking a stand on what happens in that classroom as a resident and a voter and a taxpayer of this community.”

Mott said he took the photographs less than 48 hours after attending a school board meeting at which several residents complained about what they claimed was an attempt to “indoctrinate” not “educate” students.

School officials have rejected that notion, defending Treece as a “thought-provoking” teacher who provides students in his public issues class with resources from the full spectrum of political perspectives.

“As a teacher he (Treece) does present all sides of an issue,” Anderson said.

Anderson said she was concerned that Mott used his uniform to gain access to a locked classroom after hours without supervision.

“I find this behavior, at the very least, in violation of our policy for visitors at the school,” she wrote in her letter to the police chief. “I also find it disturbing that a police officer would wear his uniform under such circumstances thereby intimidating our employee (Cliche) into letting him in the building at a very unusual hour.”

Anderson said she met with the police chief and the town manager on Friday to discuss her concerns and to reiterate her request for copies of the photographs Mott took and has been circulating in the community. She said Mott had not yet complied with that request, which is based solely on her desire to confirm the photographs were not doctored in any way.

“We’re not embarrassed about what was in that classroom,” she said. “We just want to make sure that the pictures he (Mott) took are an accurate reflection of what the classroom looked like.”

Mott said the photographs he took are authentic and accused school officials of “tap-dancing” around an issue that was brought to their attention last month by using the circumstances under which he entered Treece’s classroom as a diversion.

“It leads me to believe they are out witch-hunting,” he said.

Treece said he knows the feeling. He says Mott and his other detractors don’t have a clue about what he does in his classroom, but that hasn’t stopped them from jumping to conclusions based on his personal political views.

“None of these parents know me in any way,” he said. “They just think they know me. Everything they know about me is hearsay. They don’t have kids in my class. They have taken lies and innuendoes and run with them.”

Treece does not hide his personal views and acknowledges his public criticisms of the war in Iraq and President Bush have irked many in the community. However, he said their contention that he is force-feeding his views to Spaulding students is simply wrong.

“I tell kids from day one: ‘I don’t want you to agree with me, I want you to be informed and think for yourselves,” he said. “I have never squashed dissent in my class in any way shape or form.”

Treece said his message to students is simple: “Defend what you believe and if you can’t defend it I’m going to pick holes in your argument no matter what side of the issue you’re on.”

Treece said he supplies his students with a broad range of resources and encourages them to use them to come to their own conclusions.

“My goal in that class is to get kids to think and be critical of everything they read and hear and see,” he said.

Treece said he’s tired of being painted as anti-American simply because he challenges students not to take what anyone – not the president, their parents, or even he – says at face value.

“I want them to understand that everybody’s got an agenda … everybody,” he said.

Treece said that goes for his detractors, some of whom are using the controversy over a six-word sentence – “All hail the idiot boy king” – that he posted on a bulletin board next to a picture of President Bush as a reason to reject the high school budget. The budget is scheduled for a re-vote next week.

“They’re out to get the budget and they’ve made me their whipping boy,” he said.

Treece makes no apologies for how he conducts his classes or for his own political views. In retrospect, he said, the comment he posted about Bush was probably too direct.

The board meets at 7 p.m. in the high school library. Like the Malones, both Mott and Treece said they plan to attend.

“I did not recognize how fragile people’s feelings were at the time,” he said. “It was horrible timing on my part.”

If he had it to do over again, Treece said he would spell out the same sentiments in two pages of text that wouldn’t have offended anyone.

Paul and Norma Malone, the local couple who first took issue with the comment Treece posted on the board, insist they’re not out to scuttle the budget, but want to restore balance in the curriculum at Spaulding.

“Our position has been and still is there should be a balance in that curriculum and respect in that school,” said Paul Malone.

Although the couple’s criticism is not limited to Treece, they admit his comment served as a springboard for their effort.

“It’s not an issue of freedom of speech. That was never the issue,” he said. “It’s an issue of balance and it’s an issue of professionalism.”

Based on discussions with faculty, parents and students, Norma Malone said students from a largely conservative community are being urged to view the world to through a liberal lens.

“There’s nothing from the center or from the right,” she said, rejecting Treece’s comments to the contrary.

The Malones, who have formed the group “Citizens Advocating Responsible Education,” say they plan to attend tonight’s school board meeting and present a copy of a petition signed by several hundred supporters. The petition states in part: “Students must be provided a thorough, factual, unbiased study of the history of our nation, the importance of our government institutions, and the significance of our political traditions so as to engender civic duty and respect for our national values.”

In order to accomplish that goal, the petition suggests revisions to the school’s policy regarding academic freedom and the appointment of community members to the school board’s curriculum committee.

[zeugma]

Since when is a warrant required to enter a PUBLIC BUILDING.

When it is after hours for the public to enter. Duh. Sometimes you people make me laugh.

[dead]

This cop claims he wasn't working when he did this.

My friend is a NYC cop. He's going to be thrilled to learn that he can waltz into Yankee Stadium, Gracie Mansion, and any random post office at all hours of the day or night.

[k2blader]

Sick.

[Freedom2specul8]

Among the student projects that Mott said he photographed were a poster of the President Bush with duct tape over his mouth and a large papier-mâché combat boot with the American flag stuffed inside stepping on a doll. He said there also were pictures of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and his former chief lieutenant, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, posted on the walls.

“Having spent 30 years in uniform, I was insulted,” he said. “… I’m just taking a stand on what happens in that classroom as a resident and a voter and a taxpayer of this community.”

“I tell kids from day one: ‘I don’t want you to agree with me, I want you to be informed and think for yourselves,” he said. “I have never squashed dissent in my class in any way shape or form.”

---

I have to ask you...if he presented all sides, where are the examples of saddam's torture chambers, beheadings etcc..the list can go on and on.

[Calpernia]

>>>>In schools today thats tough to do. For all three of my kids schools you have to sign in, state why your there, and confirm you visit w/ the teacher involved then wear a badge announcing you're visit. If your visit is spontanious your child or the teacher come to you at the office. They don't let you in the building during school hours.

This is true. The only time parents are let into the classrooms today is for parent/teacher conference. I volunteer at my children's school. Otherwise, I wouldn't be allowed in.

[MineralMan]

"If police units can't enter buildings any time they want then we can not have police units at all.
"

Really? So, it is your belief that the police can enter your home or place of work anytime they want? I think a rereading of the 4th and 5th amendments to the Constitution are in order for you.

In fact, the teacher has a desk in that classroom which contains, no doubt, personal papers of his. The police cannot go through that desk without a warrant.

Suppose a neighbor who disliked you called the police and told them you had drugs hidden under your bed. Would the police have the right to enter your house in your absence and search for them? How about in the desk of your office?

Do read the Constitution, please.

[grapeape]

You might want to go back to school for a while there are cops STATIONED there. I have grown up with them. Some schools have more some have less. They walk in and out all of the time.

Quit pretending that a cop in a school is some kind of Elvis sighting. You are not convincing anyone.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Let see the photographs!

[Blood of Tyrants]

He had as much right as anybody. Perhaps his uniform allowed him to gain access that you or I wouldn't be able to get but since he wasn't on official business and it was public property, I see no problem. He was acting as a concerned citizen.

[USAF_ret]

You're consistent. Thanks.

[BSunday]

“We’re not embarrassed about what was in that classroom,” she said. “We just want to make sure that the pictures he (Mott) took are an accurate reflection of what the classroom looked like.”

Does that comment make sense to anybody? It seems to me, if it is a photograph ... never mind.

[Lancey Howard]

Treece said his message to students is simple: “Defend what you believe and if you can’t defend it I’m going to pick holes in your argument no matter what side of the issue you’re on.”

Yeah, okay. I don't suppose the enthusiasm with which Treece "picks holes" would depend on which side of the argument he likes. Oh, no.

“I want them to understand that everybody’s got an agenda … everybody,” he said. Treece said that goes for his detractors, some of whom are using the controversy over a six-word sentence – “All hail the idiot boy king” – that he posted on a bulletin board next to a picture of President Bush.... “I did not recognize how fragile people’s feelings were at the time,” he said. “It was horrible timing on my part.”

I think this guy Treece is a liar and a scumbag.
If I had children in his class I would demand that they be transferred out immediately. Not only because this weirdo's views are so Democrat (yeah, he definitely goes into the polling place and votes for more and more government confiscation... of his neighbors' money), but because anti-capitalist, socialist big-mouths like Treece often have.... other problems. Put it this way: I wouldn't want this guy anywhere near my kids.

[VRWC_minion]

A selected outline from the text he uses.

• New challenges in the twenty-first century
  1. The prospect of population decline
     1. Europeans fear that decline in population is a "ticking time bomb" that will hurt the social welfare system and the economy.
        1. The fact of careers for women and the drive for gender equality is the decisive reason for the decline of the birth rate.
        2. It is not clear if Europeans will fail to reproduce themselves--as many women stop with a single child, or no children at all.
  2. The growth of immigration
     1. In the 1990s a surge of migrants from Africa, Asia, and eastern Europe has led to a debate over the value of large-scale immigration.
     2. Many of these new immigrants are political refugees escaping from conflicts in Afghanistan, Rwanda, and other problem areas.
     3. Illegal immigrants are in search of jobs--some are young women who are forced into prostitution.
        1. Some Europeans, particularly rightist politicians, oppose immigrants, who are accused of taking jobs and undermining national unity.
        2. Others believe that Europe needs newcomers to limit population decline and provide technical skills.
  3. Europe's role in the global era
     1. European intellectuals and opinion makers began to envision a new historic mission for Europe: the promotion of peace and human rights in the world.
        1. This rests on more global agreements and institutions to set moral standards and the regulation of society to conform to standards of "human rights."
        2. The United States, after George W. Bush was elected, reacts coolly to this idea.
        3. Some European states have pushed for greater rights in the area of sexuality, smoking of pot, and euthanasia.
        4. Some have criticized unrestrained capitalist globalization and seek greater social and economic equality
     2. Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led to further Western struggle against oppression in the non-Western world.
        1. The September 11 terrorists used four hijacked American planes to attack the United States--killing thousands of people from many different countries.
        2. The U.S. and its allies launched a military campaign in Afghanistan against the Taliban, Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist network.
        3. Swift punishment of the terrorists brought about a new government and the liberation of Afghanistan.

[dead]

I'm glad somebody noticed my joke. (I amused myself.)

[Blood of Tyrants]

Howard Dean signed the gay marriage bill into law in Vermont. Vermont is every bit as liberal as Californication.

[DoughtyOne]

Look, you're not going to find anyone who likes Clinton less than I do, but you don't destroy the man by posting charicatures of him on the wall and calling him names. You raise policy issues and show the falicy of his agenda. If morals issues come up, you address them. This guy Treece was posting graphics on the wall and simply labeling Bush an idiot. That is so unprofessional I can't believe he's still got a job.

[MineralMan]

"We’re not embarrassed about what was in that classroom,” she said. “We just want to make sure that the pictures he (Mott) took are an accurate reflection of what the classroom looked like.”

As if he somehow managed to make the camera take pictures of what really wans't there?"

OK, let's do a what if: We've heard about the boot with the flag and President Bush's picture with duct tape over it. What other student projects were there? I'll bet there were ones you'd agree with, too. If the cop just took pictures of the ones he _disagreed_ with, then an accurate picture of the classroom would not be what those pictures represented.

I don't know everything in the classroom. Neither do you.

[Blood of Tyrants]

. “I have never squashed dissent in my class in any way shape or form.”

And that is why he has the picture of Bush with duct tape over his mouth?

[moneyrunner]

Please think about your perception of the situation. The cop in question was not acting in his capacity as a police officer but as a private citizen who was upset by the ideological indoctrination of the teacher. The fact that he was a cop is coloring everyone’s perception, but it’s irrelevant. It just happens to hit the libertarian hot buttons who have a knee jerk reaction to cops.

Forget about the guy being a cop (he was on his break and was not trying to arrest anybody). I know how hard it really is to actually get to a classroom when the school administration does not want you there.

So you decide you want people to see what this teacher really teaches by taking pictures of this work product.

Barre is a fairly small town (the whole state of Vermont has about 500,000 inhabitants). You go to the school and find an open door. It’s a public building. You find the night janitor and ask to see the classroom. He says “sure” and opens the door. Why not? There’s nothing to hide, right? You take pictures of the teacher’s work product (the posters and displays), thank the janitor and leave. The janitor relocks the door. And you show the parents and other people who are upset about this teacher just what he is teaching his students.

You are acting as a private individual. I don’t care if you’re wearing a uniform, your don’t give up your rights as a citizen when you put on a badge. You don’t give up your rights to have political opinions when you put on a badge. You can’t arrest people for disagreeing with you, but you can –acting as a citizen – expose to the public things that you believe are wrong.

[Freedom2specul8]

Ok, during the day, in city schools I've seen off duty cops work as security officers. They are never given authority to just have free reign. THeir job is to call the "cops" if there is a fight, gun, or drugs.

Tell me again..what is your stance?