NO HURT FEELINGS! – AT 9:36 A.M. ET:  That seems to be the new national motto of the United States, at least according to some "educators."  Changes are being made to avoid hurt feelings.  From Fox: 

Some schools are getting rid of naming and honoring the student with the highest academic achievements in his class, saying it promotes unhealthy competition between students.

At least half of U.S. schools have either stopped naming valedictorians or name multiple ones in the graduating class. Several schools in North Carolina, Virginia, and New York  have done away with the title altogether.

“I think it’s pretty stupid, and I don’t think it’s fair” said Ryan Walters, a student at the top of his class in Wake Forest, North Carolina, which dumped the title. "Wake County is recognizing mediocrity, not greatness.”

However, some students have been so outraged at the opportunity being pulled out from under them that they demanded it be brought back.

Students at Melrose High School just outside of Boston requested the school reinstate the honor.

COMMENT:  Big mistake to withdraw the honor.  As a general rule, valedictorians are chosen fairly, on the basis of academic records.  Those records reflect grades given by a number of teachers, so one administrator doesn't have make-or-break power.

I don't see the unhealthy competition.  I do see a pursuit of excellence and achievement.

Contrast that, please, with awards or "honors" given by faculties or administrators on the basis of their own "evaluations."  That's what's coming.  And you can be sure that group quotas aren't far behind.

October 9,  2017