Star treatment

OK. It's time to put the red-star dispute at Santa Rosa Junior College to rest.

We've already gone on record criticizing the tactics of two students who posted red stars - as well as copies of a state law against inculcating communism - on the doors of 10 instructors.

This was over the top. Red-baiting is a lousy way of trying to win an argument about liberal bias on college campuses. Unfortunately, it does seem to be a good way to get a lot of attention.

The overreaction of some instructors on campus has contributed to this. The students responsible for this stunt probably couldn't have hoped for this kind of publicity.

At least one instructor is now calling for disciplinary action against these two students, contending the students were creating "an environment of hostility" with the postings.

Before these students are vilified any more than they have been, let's remember that the JC is a institute of higher learning, the very kind of place that witnessed multiple forms of disobedience - some not so civil - during the 1960s.

Rather than finding a way to get back at the students, the JC should recognize it for what it was - a stunt intended to generate controversy and get publicity. It worked for a time, but let's put it to rest.