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In a letter to the editor printed last week several juveniles were named in allegations made by one parent regarding a schoolyard altercation. 

This letter is written as an apology to these children and their families. 

We have been informed that because of this letter and our negligence in allowing it to ever be printed that these youths have been subject to criticism from the community.  

We would like to say that after speaking with the parents involved in this case, the principal of La Conte Elementary School as well as the Berkeley Police Department, it appears that the allegations written in were either false or grossly exaggerated.  

It is our policy at the Berkeley Daily Planet to never allow the names of the innocent, especially innocent children, to be marred in print. 

Our Forum Page is meant to be a community bulletin board where individuals may voice their opinions about issues, events, and other things that are important to them. 

This is a useful tool of free speech but much like any tool it can be abused.  

For this reason, we would also like to clarify that it is not our policy to allow the pages of this publication to be used to spread disparaging untruths about adults or children and the names of anyone who is accused of wrongdoing should therefore accompany substantiating proof.  

But in general, we would prefer that if you have personal issues — be that with your neighbors, the parents at your children’s school or meter maids you feel are unfairly targeting you with parking tickets — that you deal with them in the course of your own personal lives and not in print. 

We apologize for any inconvenience that letter may have caused these children or their families. 

Sincerely, 

Devona Walker 

Editor-in-Chief 

Berkeley Daily Planet