10/20/2022
What I witnessed at the School Board meeting this Monday was fairly discouraging. However, I was incredibly moved by the parents and students who spoke in favor of the book, Gender Q***r. I don’t disagree with them that we need a wide variety of literature
and books to support the LGBTQ+ community. The issue however, which was not fully addressed, is po*******hy. The books in question are geared toward a mature audience and not appropriate for children. I fully support LGBTQ+ books in the library that are
appropriate towards a teen audience, and I believe the decision of the board to soft censor the book, Gender Q***r, is what’s best for our children. It still allows kids to access it and discuss further concerns with a school counselor or parent.
I also would like to address some misconceptions that seem to be looming over this community. There seems to be a major divide between parents that support the book and those who are in favor of having sexually explicit materials soft censored in our school
library. The rumored perception is that those in opposition of the book do not support these students. That could not be more inaccurate. I personally have friends and family members within the LGBTQ+ community and believe that these individuals should have the support and access to the information they need to thrive, just like any other child in our school system.
Along with many others, I do have major concerns on how the meeting was organized, handled, and excluded listening to public comments of many community members. I really hope our board shows better leadership and reconvenes this meeting soon. It is important that a school board always allows all parties to be heard concerning any controversial topics.
This campaign has opened my eyes to areas our school system can help evolve all individuals, support their groups, and bring clarity to their concerns. I welcome the opportunity to sit down with the individuals leading these groups and get their perspective
on the struggles they have day-to-day in Spring Lake schools and ask, “What can the School Board do to address those concerns today and in the future?”
Most of all I just want to represent all Laker parents and guardians, no matter their views. As a board member, I will always listen to each voice and welcome input for ways to continuously improve our school district.
