What was Kimberly's offense that required the essay?  The reason I asked is because I've always been curious of the mindset behind a request that could well be characterized as treating people like children that need to correction (and the subsequent behavior of them like children) versus treating them like adults (edit: to begin with).  Assuming you believe that most thinking adults response to being requested to write an essay on "respect" would be an indignant and mature "You can kiss my ass".  ;-)