Op-ed writer John Clayton Young suggests that school should be optional for some students ("Why force a kid to go to school?" March 12). He claims a child shouldn't have to attend school if he or she doesn't want to and that forcing people to be there is a violation of their freedom. I couldn't disagree more.
There are certainly other ways a child can get an education, acquire knowledge and learn to find his or her way in the world. But a general education opens a child's mind. It allows kids to touch more areas of study than they could any other way, and it gives them a basis for making career choices and other important decisions.
Children should be encouraged to go to school, and it is the responsibility of institutions, parents and society to provide a safe and healthy environment in which they can learn.
Alice Germaine N. Beukam
The writer is a student at Prince George's Community College.