Dignity for All: Building a Culture of Human Rights
October 2008
Banner photo: © Carr Clifton
Living with Integrity
When I began practicing Buddhism 34 years ago, I didn't have high expectations. But as I continued to strive in my practice, my career rapidly improved until I was appointed assistant superintendent of my local school district in California.
In time, a new superintendent was appointed, and my responsibilities changed to supervising 24 elementary schools. When I visited the schools, I met with the stark reality of filthy buildings in disrepair. Eleven of the schools were in dire condition, endangering children and adults. Water often leaked through the roofs, bathrooms were unusable and raw sewage welled from the sinks.
Time after time, principals had begged for repairs to be made. Conditions only worsened. In contrast, my office was new and clean with beautiful furnishings. I wondered how we could claim to be people of integrity who are committed to children amid such clear disparities.
Buddhism is action, so I detailed the conditions and recommended solutions. I attached to each report the many, many requests for repairs that the principals of those schools had made. I also included photographs of the areas of blight.
I knew that if I didn't report these conditions, nothing would happen. I also knew that if I made my report--showing proof of our neglect to maintain our schools--I would surely lose my job. However, I couldn't continue to work in a fine office while these children studied in such a terrible environment.
I submitted the report to the superintendent. I was soon told that I was no longer needed in my position and that my assistant would take over my job. I was provided with a desk at the back corner of the building and was not assigned any work.
Although I'd predicted this outcome, the reality was not easy for me. Every day, I had to walk to my desk in the back corner passing the people I had once supervised, taking in muted comments, sideways glances and whispers along the way.
I decided that I would not be defeated. Having no assignments, I developed my own projects, visiting schools and offering my assistance. I took workshops in community development. I developed programs and assisted in implementing and monitoring them.
Principals began to request my services. I became quite busy.
One day, the superintendent called me into his office to evaluate my performance. I shared with him a portfolio of my work and accomplishments since my demotion. He then tried to assign me to a number of even lower positions, but his plan backfired due to district policies.
My boss finally assigned me principal of two continuation high schools. One school enrolled students who had been expelled for carrying weapons, drunkenness and other violations. The other was for pregnant and parenting high school girls and their small children.
I will always remember the first student council we elected. These were students who had never taken on leadership. They were open to guidance and proud to have been recognized in a positive way.
Throughout this whole ordeal, I was encouraged by SGI President Ikeda's writings. I didn't feel brave, but I knew I had to endure with courage and integrity.
Eventually, the superintendent of our school district was fired and then jailed for mismanagement. County and state representatives took over. I spoke to them about the many employees who had performed their work with enthusiasm and sincerity. I shared pictures of the schools still in disrepair and requested that the matter receive attention.
Today, I'm a licensed educational consultant. I'm under contract working with teenagers for the city of Inglewood, and I serve on the board of the National Council on Educating Black Children.
I'm very grateful for my Buddhist practice. I meet my challenges with my practice and the great support of SGI-USA members. From a person who held little hope for her future, I've become a confident person of faith and integrity.
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