Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
05/08/2017
18 charged in Penn State fraternity death
Eighteen members of a Penn State University fraternity are facing criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, after a pledge fatally fell down stairs during an alcohol-fueled event, Pennsylvania prosecutors announced. Prosecutors said frat members pressured 19-year-old Timothy Piazza and other initiates to drink large amounts of alcohol. His frat “brothers” waited nearly 12 hours to call for help after Piazza was severely injured in the fall. By then it was too late to save the pledge.
■Class discussion: Should fraternity members go to prison for not immediately calling for help for Piazza? Why or why not? If you see a serious accident or crime, should you face criminal charges if you fail to call police? One fraternity member was pushed into a wall by others when he wanted to call for help. Could you stand up to your friends to do the right thing in a similar situation? Have you ever been pressured by friends to keep quiet? Is there any difference between a fraternity or team hazing and bullying?