Book banning denies children chance to learn
Re: “School district suspending ‘controversial’ library books,” Aug. 16 news story
As a retired secondary English teacher, I read with interest the list of books that the Elizabeth School District is choosing to take off the school shelves. Board member Mary Powell says, “We need to be sure we are protecting our students from things that are controversial.”
Secondary classrooms are a totally appropriate place for discussing controversial subjects. That is what learning is, not protecting students from the real world. Several years ago I taught ninth graders Laurie Halse Anderson’s “Speak,” which addresses teen rape, and we had thoughtful conversations that hopefully protected students from future rapes.
Classrooms offer safe spaces to discuss controversial subjects, and it was an honor to facilitate those conversations.
Marty Marsh, Fort Collins
In my opinion, one of the most important responsibilities of a parent is to teach their children “how” to think. I believe our country would benefit if more parents did this rather than teaching them “what” to think.
Noreen Keleshian, Denver
Can you believe “religious viewpoints” is listed with the others?
The Elizabeth School District in Elbert County is pulling 19 books from their school library shelves for parental review that officials deemed too controversial.
“Then, the committee reviewed the books for graphic violence, sexual content, profanity/obscenity, ideations of self-harm or mental illness, religious viewpoints, drug or excessive alcohol use and racism/discrimination.”
A new low.
Gary Wachter, Centennial
Former president should respect, not degrade, those who served
Re “Trump: Civilian award ‘much better’ than Medal of Honor,” Aug. 17 news story
I don’t comment publicly about politics, but I feel compelled to respond to Donald Trump’s reported comments about Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. It’s just one more of his repeated derogatory remarks about service members who have served honorably in defending the freedom of our country.
I am a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, and I served in the Vietnam War. I’ve been honored to meet several Medal of Honor recipients, one of which was a POW in the Korean War. Service members who earn the highest honor deserve our highest respect. Recognition of heroism and supreme sacrifice should not be diminished to being “second best,” especially by a former President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
As the saying goes about our commitment to defend our country in time of war, all gave some and some gave all. He should respect that with words of appreciation, not degradation.
Sylvio J. Gamache, Loveland
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