Town destroyed a career

David Wartik was cleared by the Evanston Police. No charges were filed, the case is closed, and they characterized the incident as unfounded and uncorroborated. The Evanston police investigated and closed the case quietly. David’s rights and reputation were respected until the facts could be determined.

Contrast that with Winnetka, where David worked and contributed significantly to the community and to our children. Unfiled charges were made public. David’s rights were trampled on; David’s career and reputation were destroyed.

The difference in the way these two towns handled this situation is stunning. One was humane and just; the other was not. One followed a deliberative process, respecting everyone’s rights. The other acted precipitously with a rush to judgment and zero respect for privacy. The charges should never have been made public. The process should have been civil and respectful of David’s rights. The town where David contributed so much could have treated him at least as well as the one with which he had no relationship. I hope we can all learn something from this, and that our school board appreciates the unwarranted and irreparable damage it has done, not just to David Wartik, but to our schools, our teachers, our children, and our town.

Nancy Pred

Winnetka

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