Mr.

Peterson’s Dilemma
Instructions: Read carefully the story below and answer the questions which follow.
 Mr. Peterson teaches a social studies class in the local high school. Because of his
great rapport with his students, he is known as one of the best teachers in the school.
One day after a class discussion of contemporary problems in America, several class
members approached Mr. Peterson in his office to tell him that they planned to
boycott the school cafeteria in support of the migrant farm workers across the country.
Previously, the students had picketed the local grocery store and passed out leaflets in
their neighborhood. They had also circulated a petition and had written letters to the
school authorities in an attempt to stop the school from purchasing non-union lettuce
and grapes. Both of these attempts to change school policy had failed.
 The students indicated that they not only planned to boycott the cafeteria, but hoped
to shut it down by setting up a picket line during lunch hours. The students told Mr.
Peterson about the planned boycott because of the many class discussions in which
they had talked about the American tradition of protest. They also insisted that the
success of the boycott depended on Mr. Peterson not breaking their confidence; they
did not want the school administration to know about the plans.
 Mr. Peterson feels sure that other teachers and the administration do not know about
the planned boycott. He also knows that part of the student body would not be
sympathetic to the boycott and this could result in a physical confrontation. According
to the school rule, any organized student gathering on school grounds must be cleared
by school officials. Mr. Peterson also knows that faculty members are supposed to
notify the school administration of any activity which may interfere with the school
schedule.
 Mr. Peterson discussed the various implications of the boycott with the students. The
students understand these; however, they are determined to go through with the plan.
 Should Mr. Peterson tell the school administration of the impending boycott and
picket line? Why, or why not? Your answers to these questions will determine the
level of moral development according to Kohlberg’s Theory.

When someone believes so passionately in something, it is often difficult to convince

them otherwise or back down from their stance. In reading the story, it becomes clear the
impact Mr. Peterson has on his students and the outcome of events. I can see both sides of the
situation as I feel my initial thought as a teacher would be to ensure peace and order within
the student body. However, seeing the fire burning in the hearts of my students who are so
willing to fight for a cause much bigger than them would definitely change my perspective.
As such, if I were Mr. Peterson and I had to take a stand, I would choose to allow the students
to push through with their plans without telling the school administration.
There are three main reasons why I make this choice. Firstly, as a teacher, I feel that it
is my duty to advocate for my students and their rights to freedom of speech and protest. In
the case of Mr. Peterson, I find that this is even more pertinent since it was in his class that
the students were most likely influenced by the concept of protesting. If I were a teacher, I
would want my students to feel safe in coming to me about whatever is on their minds. I want
them to feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. What good are my lectures and class
discussions if they are to be thought of as nothing more than theoretical concepts with no
real-life value? I do not wish to start a riot or cause disorder within the school. I simply
believe that the students have a right to carry on with their plans as long as they are not
harming anyone. With someone like Mr. Peterson as their guide, there is a better chance that
a good end is met with the right and appropriate means.
Second, doing so would allow me to inspire my students to understand more about the
world around them and look deeper into issues that are bigger than themselves. I find that this
is a great learning opportunity not just for my students but also for Mr. Peterson and everyone
else who will witness their plans coming to fruition. In deciding whether to tell the school
administration or not, I arrived at the thought that my students are driven by certain principles
– compassion and justice. If I were the teacher, I would choose to empathize with my
students who have seen and heard the state of the migrant farmworkers across the country
and decided to pledge their support. From my understanding of their stance, they believe that
these farmworkers deserve more than what they are given and I personally agree. Through
this, I see how my students are motivated by issues that are not purely out of self-interest.
They have compassion for the farmworkers and have decided to fight for justice to be given
where they feel it is not being upheld. It is my personal belief that when humans can look
beyond themselves, the world becomes a much kinder and peaceful place for everyone to live
and thrive. This is what I see in these students and an attitude I hope I can continue to mold in
them.
Lastly, supporting my students’ plans gives me the opportunity to encourage them to
think for themselves and come to their own conclusions and plans of action. In this scenario, I
would rather be a sensible guide rather than a mere restrictive authority figure. From how I
see it, the students view the laws and policies of the school as too restrictive, seeing as
change has yet to be made from their several attempts at making it happen. As a result of this,
even though Mr. Peterson has advised them about the possible ramifications of their quite
aggressive plans, they continue to push through. They see the laws as flexible instruments
that can and should be used to further a good cause. I understand the importance of upholding
rules to maintain order in a community, but I also feel it is important to evaluate whether
these rules serve all the members of said community. As such, while I would remind my
students of the consequences that may arise from their actions, I do not wish to stop them
from pursuing what we mutually believe is the common good.
 Overall, I believe that the students have good intentions and are standing up for a
change they see would benefit vulnerable members of society. For me, I can empathize with
their cause and it is my personal belief that rules are necessary for society but that legality
does not always equate to morality. I believe that if we see certain rules or policies being used
as a means to perpetuate injustice, then we have the right to question it and fight to make a
change. If I were Mr. Peterson, I would support my students even if it means breaking the
rules of the school administration because I believe my students’ cause is important and
based on the ethical principles of compassion and justice. I want to encourage them to speak
out, to look beyond themselves, and to determine morality through their conscience and with
regards to the common good.