Yes, you read that right. The doomsday predictions of that some are reading into the Mayan calendar have sparked discussion, jokes, and in some cases fear. One situation where the fear and rumors reached a crescendo was in that bastion of knowledge, the public school system.
Citing the significant disruption to the teaching and learning process Lapeer Superintendent Matt Wandrie stated that his district will be starting their Christmas break early due to rumors and concerns of violence within Detroit. In the wake of the tragic events in Connecticut, school officials of several Detroit Districts have decided to cancel school rather than risk any incidents. Other area schools are indicating a stepped up police presence.
While these may be prudent decisions on the part of the schools one might question the missed opportunity to quell rumors and Middle-Ages type hysteria rather than accept and embrace it.
Of course, I may be wrong.
