Here is what is worrying me (among other things): recommendation letters. There is a history of such letters being written for teachers to get new positions despite the fact that these teachers have abused students. We often are less than honest (if omission counts) when we write letters of recommendation. We assume receivers of letters can read between the lines and know that we are not truly recommending someone but we are being cautious to avoid charges of defamation, libel and other legal risks. So, posit this hypothetical: write a recommendation letter for Bill O'Reilly. What should it say? Would all references to sexual abuse/harassment be absent from such a letter? Ponder this conundrum; recommendation letters are commonplace. …see more