The Atlanta Testing Scandal: Does the Punishment fit the Crime?

            In what is possibly the most infamous case of testing fraud by a public school district has now garnered even more attention.  The former Superintendent of the Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. Beverly Hall and 34 other former school teachers, administrators, and testing coordinators were indicted on charges of racketeering, making false statements, and theft.  However, what is more surprising is that the indicted were given a one million dollar bond and if found guilty, they could face multiple decades in prison.

            The question has to be asked does this alleged crime of testing fraud warrant a one million dollar (seven million for Dr. Hall) bond and possible multiple decades of time in prison?  When you compare the number of individuals who have committed crimes such as robbery, murder, or distribution of drugs, many have gotten significantly less bail and less prison time depending on the nature and number of previous offenses.  However, the superintendent and those indicted are treated like they are high profile criminals who may “flee” the country to a non-extradition country.

            The indicted individuals are not multiple offenders, they are not individuals who society must fear, they are individuals who like a majority of Americans are over-worked, under-paid mothers and fathers, who until this recent lapse in judgment were like most Americans unknown.  Does their mistake in judgment warrant this kind of punishment?

            I have no relationship with any of these individuals, however, when comparing their alleged crime of testing fraud with nameless individuals and groups in the banking and finance industry and the consequences they received, hefty fines, does this seem fair?  These nameless individual and groups who intentionally defrauded the American consumer and consumers world-wide by falsifying accounting records to cover up record losses were not threatened with decades of prison time.  None of the CEO’s were indicted or given one million dollars bail; however the former Superintendent Dr. Hall has been treated differently.

            What about the corporations who intentionally gave mortgage loans to unqualified borrowers?  There were a number of corporations who were found guilty of misleading consumers and fraudulent practices.  Their consequences for their criminal actions a hefty fine and they are allowed to continue their business.  Lastly, what about all the celebrities who break the law by driving drunk, being caught with drugs, assault and other violations, their consequence; probation.  Does anyone see a pattern here?

           Again, I do have not relationship with the former superintendent or any of the individuals who were indicted.  I believe, they should loose their educational credentials, payback any monies obtained due to the fraud with interest and be given between 2-5 years probation.  Sentencing these individuals in jail serves no great justice to rectify their alleged wrongdoing.  Furthermore, it will be hard for these individuals to find a job, because 1) they will have a criminal record which they will have to disclose on every application and interview and 2) due to the nature of the alleged testing fraud and national media attention, most employers will not want the potential negative press that will follow these individuals if they are hired. 

Isn’t this punishment enough?