los angeles times September 10, 1968

A New Protest at

Lincoln High

ISSUE: In trying to solve the problem raised

by the Sal Castro case, has the Board of Edu-

cation created an even bigger one?

In the wake of the Board of Education's action reinstating Sal Castro to teaching duties at Lincoln High School, 40 members of the Lincoln faculty-about 25% of the total-have requested transfers to other Los Angeles district schools.

Although the teachers are not required to give reasons when asking for transfers, it is clear that this move by the 40 at Lincoln is a protest directly related to the board's step in the Castro case.

Castro is under indictment on conspiracy charges stemming from a walkout by Mexican-American students at four high schools last March. Under earlier procedure an indictment was reason for automatic transfer of a teacher from classroom assignment. But the board, after extensive meetings and under pressure of a sit-in its chambers, changed this policy so that teachers charged with crimes now have the right of appeal before being relieved of duties. This change was made retroactive, and Castro was ordered restored to his teaching job.

The Castro case and the issues arising from it present vexing questions. Castro is rated a good teacher. He has support from both moderates and militants in the Mexican-American community. Most significantly he is a symbol for many of the fight by Mexican-American for better education and higher achievement.

At the same time Castro also has opponents within the Mexican-American community, and among his fellow teachers, who feel that his actions have contributed to an undercutting of their professionalism and authority in the classroom.

The threatened departure of 40 teachers would be a severe blow to the quality of education at Lincoln High School, which in good part is what the Castro fight is all about. Perhaps by next spring, the earliest the transfers could take place, second thoughts will prevail. But that will depend to a great extent on the behavior of the militants and, particularly, on the demonstrated willingness of the board to support teachers in matters of discipline.

As things stand now the Board of Education, in trying to solve one problem, may have well created a bigger one.