Questioning Absence of Due Process

Never before have I taken the time to write a letter to the editor. This case, however, is one that is of local importance to all high school athletes and their parents, as well as all of Southern California.

I am referring to the current conflicts between the Southern Section and two football coaches. Apparently, each of these coaches feels that he has been denied due process. The youth of this country are taught fair play in any good sports program. Yet the Southern Section, which governs all Southern California high school sports programs, has no such ethics. It seems to be at liberty to make up the rules as it sees fit.

This, certainly, is not due process.

In addition, our government makes laws to protect society, with specific punishments that are appropriate to the crime. Again, the Southern Section doles out punishment that is often severe, certainly inconsistent, and often injurious to the programs it governs, thus, hurting young athletes it is apparently striving to protect.

The Southern Section can affect any high school athlete in Southern California. Should we not be concerned about its apparent omnipotent power? Few American communities would sit still for this kind of government.

Should our children and the people who teach them be subjected to this kind of unilateral control?

NANCY SPARKS

Canyon Country