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Terrorism at high school?

Clif Erickson
Thursday October 10, 2002

To the Editor: 

 

As a math teacher, Mr. Demery (Forum, Oct. 5-6) should understand that in mathematical terms, “act of war” is a subset of the larger set “terrorism.” All terrorism is not an act of war (read the definition of terrorism). Creating intense fear in any situation is an act of terrorism. Fire alarms certainly create intense fear in some if not many. I applaud Ms. Leventer (Berkeley High co-principal) labeling the malicious act of setting off fire alarms as an instance of terrorism. Ms. Leventer, an experienced, respected and successful teacher of mathematics before becoming a Berkeley High administrator, understands that those who have been through previous fires certainly experience intense fear when faced with repeating that event. 

 

Clif Erickson 

Berkeley