I’ve often wondered how things ever got that bad back then—how ordinary people allowed it to happen.

This teacher wasn't allowing it to happen. She was making it happen.

It is considered hyperbole by some to compare this to fascism in the 1930s. It is not hyperbole. I never underestimate the ability of people to be kind and to love, and I never underestimate the ability of some to be cruel and to hate.

We are in a very rough spot right now. Those of us who live in the U.S. may need courage to speak up, to resist. I'm not sure what measures will be waiting to deal with opposition in the future.