Trying to maintain some ethical standards

Re “If This Were a Term Paper, You Might Have Seen It on the Web,” June 17

Isn’t students using the Internet to plagiarize term papers just the tip of the unethical iceberg in our society? Where is the adult ethical leadership in our society in which resumes are frequently embellished, people cheat on their taxes, CDs and DVDs are pirated, purses, watches and clothes are “knocked off” and some executives commit Enron-like misdeeds?

I witnessed student plagiarism when I was a middle and high school teacher over 35 years ago. Some students thought it was acceptable to copy word-for-word from the encyclopedia. Yes, I counseled them. And yes, unfortunately, history does seem to repeat itself using the latest technology.

ROBERT HANSEN

Professor of Education

University of La Verne

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I’m a 15-year-old who attends Bravo Medical Magnet High School. I’m not the smartest student. I’m also not the most dedicated student who spends most of his time doing his work. But I will never try to overcome those students by cheating. I support teachers who give in-class assignments. I don’t like the classroom assignments because I can concentrate more at home, but if that is what has to be done to prevent cheating, then so be it. It’s not fair that other students get to be lazy and still manage to have an edge over many hardworking students when it comes to grades.

JOSE ENRIQUE CORONA

Los Angeles

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I use three techniques for eliminating plagiarism in the classroom. I assign essay topics that have never been written about or published. I tell the students case stories about the dreadful consequences of plagiarism. I attach to every essay a statement that the author is required to sign: “I confirm that the attached essay is solely my work and that I have not consulted outside sources without the knowledge and permission of my professor. I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism.” I assure my students that I’m not questioning their integrity but fulfilling my obligation to educate them. High expectations yield high results.

DALE F. SALWAK

Professor of English

Citrus College

Glendora