The thorough account in the National Post of events leading to the dismissal of Judith Carlisle, the head of Bishop Srachan School, has produced a growing body of comments. Many express outrage about political correctness and “overly-sensitive parents.” But there are thoughtful questions posed as well. At issue is the version of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice by the Box Clever Theatre of the UK presented to classes of BSS students as a satire on anti-Jewish sentiment. There are some news accounts suggesting that racial abuse language had been exaggerated in the revised play for heightened effect. One comment asked a fair question. “The original play is pretty anti-Semitic as it is. Why emphasize it?” Such changes were not made by Carlisle herself but should she have known and opted for a more cautious approach? In that spirit another comment reads: “Ok big mistake on her part, but these were not little children! She should have been told to apologize and got a warning. A total over reaction to fire her.” The decision to dismiss may have been carefully considered or done in a moment of anger. Only those present know what passed between the BSS board and Ms Carlisle before it was announced that they had parted ways.
