(MG) The 26 April, 2007 edition of the Northwest Herald contains more reporting on the Cary Grove HS disturbance of the peace charges against Allen Lee, an 18-year old CGHS senior who wrote an in-class essay. As of 2:19 a.m. (CDT), 28 April, 2007, more than 115 comments on the article have been posted. It appears that Mr. Allen Lee himself offers some further insights.
al_lee wrote on April 26, 2007 8:01 PM:
"Yes, this is probably who you think it is, I know a lot of you are curious about the handwritten essay and I’d like to disclose a few things. It is undeniable that the essay contains violence and the crudest humor a decently educated high school senior could come up with, now with that given, the nature of the assignment must be discussed concurrently.
Although the assignment was a last minute change of plans assignment, the assignment was handed out on a printed sheet detailing in bullet point that the free writing assignment be done without censorship or judgment on the contents.
(MG) Interesting assertions, which are either true or false. Giving Mr. Lee the benefit of the doubt, if the assignment was given as is, I must ask: Why the last minute change of plans assignment made? Was Ms Capron unprepared for the class she was supposed to teach?
A copy of this assignment can be obtained from any student attending a "creative writing" class at Cary Grove High School. Further comments by the teacher (Ms. Capron), suggested that the students may specifically target the teacher and that the assignment would in most probability not even be read. Now, given the standard required censorship within school for all writings (turned in or not, because what you write privately in school is subject to disciplinary action within school grounds) I felt like a writer from the 1600's who was just granted the first amendment.
I have read several reviews that believe my actions were a prank, and that I was looking for a reaction. Let me make this clear, it was not a prank, I was not expecting my essay to be read, and I wrote believing I was fulfilling the requirements of the assignment with no intention of causing Fear or Harm in any shape or form. (I pray that I did not mistype or that this comment gets edited without my consent).
(MG) Mr Lee expresses contrition well, at least in writing.
Multiple copies of the essays are currently in circulation, although not under my control and I have no idea where the original is. I do believe that the essay will be eventually released along with the assignment.
The actual basis for my arrest under the charge of Disorderly Conduct, filed by Susan R. Popp is "but as a teacher, don't be surprised of inspiring the first cg shooting." Any legal expert can tell you that no personal threat by my person is indicated in that statement, or threats to any persons or property.
At best, I should have been considered a "whistle blower" (someone that believes a threat may be present) rather than a potential homicidal manic to be arrested within 16 hours of writing an assignment as I was told to.
For those of you wondering specifically what I was thinking at the moment I wrote that statement, I was exaggerating the general feeling for Ms. Capron in the student populous. Why did I exaggerate to such a degree? Because that is how I was instructed to do so by my teacher to pursue creative writing.
It must also be understood, that I am proud to have attended Cary Grove High school, no matter the outcome of the case. I deeply respect and cherish my relationships at school with both my fellow students and teachers.
My current goal is to receive my diploma and continue with my military aspirations; however I can not continue to attend Boot Camp in San Diego without a clean record. I deeply miss my teachers and friends, and cannot wait to talk to my Law in America teacher to hear his opinion and the events that have transpired.
My deepest thanks go out to my friends and their families in support of me in this difficult situation. Hopefully the media coverage will end soon, and I can go back to being a normal student, graduate, and continue on to be a Marine. "
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