Section II.H: DISCLOSURES

For your literary journal, you may be disclosing some personal information about yourself and your family. Obviously, you have the right not to disclose anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. In any case, you will NOT be required to share your narratives, personal and otherwise, with other students in the class.

Sometimes, journal writers reveal some sensitive personal material; for the most part, what you reveal in your literary journal will stay private. However, there are some exceptions: I will report, to appropriate authorities, threats of harm to yourself and any blatant admission of a serious crime (such as homicide, any crime that could result in physical harm of another person, sexual/physical abuse of a child, selling illegal drugs to a minor–thus, any infraction against a minor, and threats of violence). As an English teacher, I am not legally bound by the same gag rules as a lawyer, doctor, psychologist, or clergy person. So do take care in what you choose to reveal. My personal ethics dictate that I don’t sit idly by if I know a serious crime has occurred or is about to occur, especially against children.

Also, keep in mind that, legally, I can’t counsel you; I can recommend our school psychologist, nothing more. Thus, my reactions to your personal problems must be limited to the generic comment.

Another caveat: Do not joke about serious legal or psychological matters because such a spoof could prove to be embarrassing to both of us. Also, if you choose to assume the voice of a dysfunctional literary character (and there are many in our readings), please note this at the beginning of your passage.

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