The school finally reversed their decision. Charlie is clear to return because we refused to accept the initial verdict. It took everything out of me to fight this long but justice for a teammate is worth the heavy toll.
June 20, 2016
Final supporters
To whom it may concern,
We are here to address the issue of Charlie Pope’s punishment in which we believe he is being treated unfairly. He has sacrificed so much to get to this point and to have it all ripped away by something he didn’t actively participate in is unreasonable. It is almost to the point of ludicrosity to punish Charlie for this act. While we understand what we did brought great shame and dishonor to Torrey Pines, in the words of English librettist William Schwenk Gilbert, “let the punishment fit the crime.” We have undergone punishments physically and emotionally but we stand by our captain, and come at you begging that you reconsider. We believe that Charlie Pope displayed true leadership when he stepped up and admitted to what he had done. He knew that this would all fall on his shoulders. This demonstrates his high values and integrity which he sets for himself. A level that the rest of us have yet to emulate on the team. Furthermore Charlie Pope, during the Cross Country Season, led the team with hard work to place thirteenth in the California State Championships. In addition to this, he finished 35th overall. Without his example it is in the good judgement of this team that we would not have been able to place as highly as we did at the State meet. To add as a Cross Country team and Distance Track team we have never been closer as teammates. He has made an effort to ensure that both of these teams have been warm and welcoming to all new runners. If anyone is more deserving of an opportunity to redeem themselves it's him
Updates
May 13, 2016
The silence from the administration is weighing on all of us but I am still pushing for a meeting. It is exhausting to keep fighting for someone who has given so much to this team only to be met with no response. I will not stop until they actually look at what we are saying.
Reached 100 supporters
May 13, 2016
33 Comments
Charlie's a very nice guy with only good intentions, he's going to a premiere college and has always gotten good grades while staying out of trouble, there's not way he deserves this punishment.
For those who don't understand, Charlie Pope is a top notch runner and didn't even participate in the race but he let the blame be set on him. If he can't race leagues then he can't go to CIF and no CIF means no State. He has a shot to medal and it is truly unfair that this is happening.
It is a shame when people are so uptight about regulation that a harmless prank is punished so severely.
If anyone is deserving of a second chance it is Charlie. To think that they would not let him race and represent the place he has brought so much respect and recognition is disgusting. Things like this make me want to come back and take over as head track coach so that everyone can get the opportunity they deserve after so many days of hard work.
Our team has worked too hard for this. It is his senior year. Please reconsider.
He should have not been allowed to run. This country is a constitutional republic not a democracy.
Excuse my french but it is honestly bullsh** for a prank that did no harm to anyone to dictate whether Charlie competes in league finals. I've known him for a long time and I known that he is smart enough to learn from his mistakes especially in this case. FREE CHARLIE!!!
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The school finally reversed their decision. Charlie is clear to return because we refused to accept the initial verdict. It took everything out of me to fight this long but justice for a teammate is worth the heavy toll.
June 20, 2016
Final supporters
To whom it may concern,
We are here to address the issue of Charlie Pope’s punishment in which we believe he is being treated unfairly. He has sacrificed so much to get to this point and to have it all ripped away by something he didn’t actively participate in is unreasonable. It is almost to the point of ludicrosity to punish Charlie for this act. While we understand what we did brought great shame and dishonor to Torrey Pines, in the words of English librettist William Schwenk Gilbert, “let the punishment fit the crime.” We have undergone punishments physically and emotionally but we stand by our captain, and come at you begging that you reconsider. We believe that Charlie Pope displayed true leadership when he stepped up and admitted to what he had done. He knew that this would all fall on his shoulders. This demonstrates his high values and integrity which he sets for himself. A level that the rest of us have yet to emulate on the team. Furthermore Charlie Pope, during the Cross Country Season, led the team with hard work to place thirteenth in the California State Championships. In addition to this, he finished 35th overall. Without his example it is in the good judgement of this team that we would not have been able to place as highly as we did at the State meet. To add as a Cross Country team and Distance Track team we have never been closer as teammates. He has made an effort to ensure that both of these teams have been warm and welcoming to all new runners. If anyone is more deserving of an opportunity to redeem themselves it's him
Updates
May 13, 2016
The silence from the administration is weighing on all of us but I am still pushing for a meeting. It is exhausting to keep fighting for someone who has given so much to this team only to be met with no response. I will not stop until they actually look at what we are saying.
Reached 100 supporters
May 13, 2016
33 Comments
Charlie has always worked very hard on the track team, and he has been an inspiration for the kids. The school should be proud of having kids such as Charlie on their team. I believe he deserves better treatment. These are the last few weeks of high school, and its time for celebration and reflection on memories that will last a life time, like we all have experienced. Please give Charlie another chance and let him leave TP with great memories.
Charlie's a very nice guy with only good intentions, he's going to a premiere college and has always gotten good grades while staying out of trouble, there's not way he deserves this punishment.
For those who don't understand, Charlie Pope is a top notch runner and didn't even participate in the race but he let the blame be set on him. If he can't race leagues then he can't go to CIF and no CIF means no State. He has a shot to medal and it is truly unfair that this is happening.
It is a shame when people are so uptight about regulation that a harmless prank is punished so severely.
If anyone is deserving of a second chance it is Charlie. To think that they would not let him race and represent the place he has brought so much respect and recognition is disgusting. Things like this make me want to come back and take over as head track coach so that everyone can get the opportunity they deserve after so many days of hard work.
Our team has worked too hard for this. It is his senior year. Please reconsider.
He should have not been allowed to run. This country is a constitutional republic not a democracy.
Excuse my french but it is honestly bullsh** for a prank that did no harm to anyone to dictate whether Charlie competes in league finals. I've known him for a long time and I known that he is smart enough to learn from his mistakes especially in this case. FREE CHARLIE!!!
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Charlie has always worked very hard on the track team, and he has been an inspiration for the kids. The school should be proud of having kids such as Charlie on their team. I believe he deserves better treatment. These are the last few weeks of high school, and its time for celebration and reflection on memories that will last a life time, like we all have experienced. Please give Charlie another chance and let him leave TP with great memories.