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Health & Fitness

School Board Controversy Brings About Cyber Bullying

For several months I have followed the controversy surrounding the school board and Kelly Marlow, District 1 Board Representative.  And while many have their opinion on Ms. Marlow's politics, one group has decided to take this fight beyond the issue of her job.   
       SCRAM! is a group that formed for the purpose of fighting against Ms. Marlow as it relates to her decisions as a board member to write a letter to SACS.  They felt her behavior was not in the best interest of the students or the county.  While it is perfectly fine for this group to discuss and protest her decisions as it relates to her job the group has now shifted to attacking her on a personal level along with those who support Ms. Marlow. In the last 2 months the group has made malicious and slanderous comments regarding Ms. Marlow's divorce, her current relationship, even discussing her children.  None of which relates to her duties as a board member.  To make matters worse, members of this group have now decided to go after anyone who states publicly that they disagree with the group or support Ms. Marlow.  They have discussed an individuals personal finances, made rude comments on her weight and even focused on her feet. One comment focused on 2 individuals calling them "vicious vapid nasty people".  I could fill this page with the list of insults and comments this group posts and discusses about individual residents of this county and other counties.  But the real question is why are we allowing this to continue?
       There is a thin line between free speech and intimidation.  And I for one think this group has crossed it. Picture this.  A group of high school kids create a face book page and attack a group of kids daily.  Viciously insulting every aspect of their appearance and family.  What would we do?  This is the same situation.  Creating a group with one cause but using it for another.  It is the "wolf in sheep's clothing".   If we condone this form of cyber bullying by adults then what are we teaching our children?

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