I agree with what Susan said in the very first post ~ be careful what you show the whole world about yourself on the internet, it might come back to bite you.

I disagree with much of what she added subsequently, however, or at least with how I interpret her. I think that denial of the degree and the teaching certification is unconscionable. While the young woman's judgement and conduct may well have been less than perfect, she should simply have been counseled rather than condemned and denied a career. That's why they have student-teaching assignments. I hope she sues and wins.

Once upon a time, being a "single mother" amounted to being a social outcast, a tramp, etc. More recently, it has become almost a badge of honor ~ not only is there nothing wrong with it any more these days, many portray the circumstance as pratically heroic.

It's undoubedly wrong to endorse either of these extremes in a given case, and of course we don't know everything about this young woman and her situation.

On the one hand, the fact that she got pregnant without securing a commitment from the father-to-be not just once, but twice casts some doubt upon her maturity and judgement. (Would it make a difference if we knew whether one or two fathers were involved?)

On the other hand, the fact that she mangaged to complete the coursework for a college degree despite the challenges of raising two young children speaks well for her energy, dedication, and resourcefulness. It would certainly seem that she learned something from her difficult experience.

Just as I did a week or more ago, I still get the very strong impression that she's been victimized by a bluenosed old biddy who harbors the more old-fashioned viewpoint towards "fornicators," and who has accumulated too much seniority and influence to be effectively opposed.

The fact that the girl resorted to groveling after other avenues of appeal were closed to her means nothing to me. What else was she going to do?