Where Were the School Officials?

To the Editor:
    I have read and reread your Jan. 30 feature story, "The Death of Ben Brownlee," [News] over and over. I must say I am very sad and very angry. What disturbs me the most are the quotes and references to Allen Sanders, the Rockdale Independent School District principal, and other RISD administration officials.
    At the start of the school year, Ben notified, by a personal letter, each of his teachers, counselors, and school administration staff of his transgendered status, yet Mr. Sanders claims that they were unaware of any of Ben's problems or subsequent harassment. Mr. Sanders is quoted in the Austin American-Statesman Dec. 17 issue, as saying "he wasn't aware Ben was having problems." Mr. Sanders restated his opinion in the Chronicle article.
    Open and flagrant abuse and persecution were reportedly hurled at Ben on a daily basis, yet school officials maintain that they found no evidence "to support any of the stories."
    It was also stated in your article that students at Rockdale High School have been reprimanded by the principal, Allen Sanders, for discussing Ben's story among themselves. It appears to me that Mr. Sanders' primary tools for action regarding Ben's sad fate are a broom and a rug. I find this to be most deplorable, irresponsible, and absolutely sickening. I call for the immediate removal and dismissal of Allen Sanders from Rockdale High School and RISD. Would you entrust your child to the care of this person for several hours each school day? I would hope not. Please, let a tragedy such as this never happen again!
    As the Chronicle stated, Allen Sanders refused to respond to repeated requests for an interview regarding this story. I can only speculate that he was too busy with his broom and his rug. Most awful shame on you, Mr. Sanders, and hopefully, goodbye Mr. Sanders!