Letters: We needed a U.S. Department of Justice report for that?

'THE Department of Justice validated that Asian students had been victimized at the school last year."

Did we need a report from the Justice Department to acknowledge that students were beaten by other students (mostly African-American) while teachers and other adults let it happen?

Neither the School District nor the former principal (thank God she's gone) protected them from the bullies at South Philadelphia. Superintendent Arlene Ackerman did nothing to protect the students, and hardly acknowledged there was a problem until the Asian students staged a strike. Why should the Asian community trust the district or Ackerman?

The root of the problem hasn't been addressed. The adults who watched the Asian students being beaten showed the Asian kids that not even the presence of adults can protect them from the bullies South Philadelphia High seems to produce. New programs won't change the blatant racism perpetuated against these students and others who attend school in Philadelphia.

Tina Bellosi, Philadelphia

What Labor Day means

In the 1894 Pullman strike, hundreds of workers perished as a result of violence that erupted when management goons tried to break the strike.

A week after the strike ended, as a reconciliation to labor, President Cleveland signed legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday.

On Monday, we pay tribute to the men and women of labor who drive our economy and build a better future for this great nation.

Tony Mastrome, Philadelphia