Introduction

A great deal has been written, discussed, and talk-showed about children being molested/raped by others. But what about the person who has been falsely accused? What does he and his family go through? What does an apathetic town go through? How does a corrupt Administration and Board of Education do to hide when discovered? These and other questions are answered in REST AREA.

About Ed Hope

Ed Hope is a dedicated and popular black teacher in a High School in Florida. He is also in a relationship with a male homicide detective. They are both raising Ed's two young children.

The Incident

One day Ed goes to school to find out he no longer has a job. When he questions his Principal and Superintendent of Schools, he is told that he has molested a white student. No formal charges. No hearings. Nothing.

The Court Proceedings

There is a Board of Education meeting where Ed is formally charged and before he can give his side, the public in the audience causes a riot, causing Ed and his lover to hastily leave. When they get home, there are two policemen there to arrest Ed.

The Aftermath

REST AREA contains the ordeal Ed Hope and his family go through and how a small group of students and adults (including one Board) come to his aid. It also brings to light the nonsense and corruption of a small school district and their plight to keep everything hidden.