Extortion?

Question

Ok, I am a Junior at my high school. And I got placed in a Journalism class. We have a new teacher for it this year, and has changed the requirements. One of which states, each student "must" bring in revenue for the class. In which will be made by selling Ad's in the school news paper. She has said "No Ad, No A" is it illegal for her to tell us this? Because a friend of mine told me to look it up, because it will affect my grades, which will affect my GPA and that in turn will affect my chances of successfully getting into a certain college. Which can affect many more parts of my life. So in short, can severly limit my lifes choices, all because of one Ad not being sold.

And sidenote, I spent 3 days going to several different establishments, requesting they purchase Ads. However, all of them rejected it, stating that they had corporate offices that do that, that i had to send a send a request for a donation which would have taken weeks (past myd deadline), or pretty much to F-Off.

Also, (I ran out of room) but my dad is a paralegal advisor for his company, and is telling me, to tell my teacher that it is considered extorition. And that is she does not retract her requirement on students selling Ads for a grade, he will press charges against her.

And tommorow, I do plan on talking to students about it, and getting back-up on this issue. Not only that, but talking directly to her about it.

Answer 1

You go!
Got my support!

Answer 2

Something just doesn't sound right here...while teachers can tell you that without doing certain things in their class you won't pass...reading certain books, writing essays, handing in homework on time.....to tell a student that he has to sell ads just to bring the monies into the classroom doesn't sound right. What is the money generated from the sales being applied to? Does she want the actual money (and who are the checks being made out to) or just the ad? Since most newspapers and magazines have advertising departments I can almost see how writing up the ad would be a part of the class, but want about the money? Go to your principal about this practice and if he doesn't resolve it (is it part of the curriculum?), speak to your parents to intervene on your behalf and take it up with the school board.

Most local companies are happy to sell ads to area schools for their programs for prom, football games, theater productions, but they are purchasing the space for a purpose, your teacher's request doesn't seem to have a beneficial purpose...other than perhaps to help line her pockets.

Answer 3

Ok, if this is true, your paralegal father should have already threatened the teacher with a class action lawsuit considering this teacher is teaching several classes consisting on the average of 30 students per class if what you say is true she would be requiring at least 120 students to sell ads for the school paper. Must be a nice gig. Go to Camlaw. com. Or contact your local news if its real they would have a field day. come on

Answer 4

I think this should be illegal but I know how hard it is to actually fight a school on anything.

What I would do in this instance, is pay for the "AD" myself and make the ad say what I feel about this little thing. I am sure the teacher will try to reject all your ads against her policy, but I think if you called yourself the society against extortion for grades or something like that, made a little logo, and insisted on placing your ad, she will have to allow you to air your views.

Answer 5

This teacher should be fired.

So I'd "sign up" a company owned by a guy at the local mall. He gave his \corporate address in NYC, phone number, etc. and signed up for an ad. Let the teacher worry about tracking it down. That way you "sold" your ad and it is as legitimate as the teacher's requirement that you sell one.

Answer 6

Curriculum changes, when I was in school there were plenty of petty things I didn't want to learn but I had to anyway...tell her you tried your best but couldn't make a sell or something if you really don't want to do it, but taking it to the courts is just plain pressed. Are any other students as objective as you? Is it really THAT serious dude?

Answer 7

I don't know if it's illegal but it certainly sounds tasteless. I would think that sort of thing would be for junior achievement wherein they earn money by starting a business. See if you can find out who to call to check if this is a legitimate practice. You might start by calling the School Board. Good luck.

Answer 8

Get classmates to agree with you that this isn't right. Tell the principal. This doesn't sound fair to me, but ask the principal to make sure.

If he won't agree, get your parents involved and threaten to press legal charges. If that doesn't scare them, get a note from a lawyer saying that's this is illegal and you are ready to press charges. Then it's up to you how far you want to take it.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Its not extortion is 'selling out' and your teacher is teaching you an important lesson.

A newspaper must sell, must make revenue.

Therefore you say and don't say or reveal certain things, because if you do, you might offend your customers who might buy your paper or take out ads.

Its an important lesson on Truth and Newspapers.

Answer 10

Your dad is correct--it is extortion and you and your classmates can press charges and win the case. You cannot base a grade on the behavior of others who have the option to buy or not buy an ad. Burn her!!!!

Answer 11

I think your teacher is way of base, He is there to teach not to make you sell ads in a newspaper. See your school principal.