Former county councilor Richard Rylander shares that teachers’ strikes are illegal in the state of Washington, based on a 2006 court decision

Richard Rylander

We tout that we are a society that follows the “rule of law.” That means that we pass laws with the full expectation that the population will adhere to those laws or suffer consequences. Unfortunately, there are numerous examples at the Federal and State levels where laws are ignored rather than being changed.

Teachers hold a special place in the establishment of the moral and mental development of children in our society. When teachers present information students are expected to believe what they are told. Indeed children go home and share information with their parents that “the teachers said…”

So how is it that teachers can go on strike (illegally) and then turn around and say it was OK for them to break this law but that students should follow the rules? Why shouldn’t students go on strike if/when they don’t like something they are told to do? Remember the old adage “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander?” How can students trust and believe in their teacher when laws are only followed (instead of changed) when it suits their needs?

The more times, as a society and as individuals and groups, we selectively follow certain laws but not others we step onto a slippery slope. Some will say it’s OK to fib or cross the line “in this special situation” but students are to follow the rules regardless of whether they agree or not. This path leads to anarchy and the downward spiral of our society.

Some will say that the example of an illegal strike and possible consequences is stretching things or not relevant. As adults and parents and those involved in the education and development of children we have a collective responsibility to practice what we preach.

Richard Rylander
Battle Ground

---

Also read:

• 
  Letter: The 250th belongs to the people, not to Trump
  Tony Teso argues the 250th anniversary belongs to workers, immigrants, and dissenters — not any president.
• 
  Opinion: New resource can help public employees understand their rights
  A 2018 Supreme Court ruling made public-sector union membership entirely voluntary — but many workers still don’t know it.
• 
  Opinion: Legislators demand two auxiliary lanes and challenge light rail plans for I-5 Bridge Replacement
  Legislators from both states pressed IBR staff on auxiliary lanes, tolling diversion, and a $7.65 billion cost estimate with no clear path to full funding.
• 
  Opinion: No need for hysteria just because Christians are getting in the news business
  Ken Vance responds to critics alarmed by Christian-aligned ownership of two north Clark County news outlets.
• 
  Opinion: Major projects and ODOT’s financial crisis
  Joe Cortright tells Oregon Transportation Commission that ODOT’s cost management failures, not fuel efficiency, caused its budget crisis.