Garfield teachers are setting a bad example

Jesse Hagopian’s column in defense of the Garfield teacher MAP test boycott is ironic at best and hypocritical at worst [“Why we boycotted the MAP test,” Opinion, Jan. 18].

He says that the better measure of students is “preparing them for the real life issues they will face ... not to mention character, commitment, courage or talent,” but is blissfully unaware that the example set by the teachers flies in the face of that.

Their “teaching”: if you don’t like something, don’t do it. Don’t discuss, don’t negotiate, just violate the rule. Character? Commitment? Doubts.

--Daniel Merlino, Seattle