The crescendo of hateful, divisive and misinformed rhetoric displayed by individuals at recent 9-R school board meetings reached a new high, or rather low on Oct. 26, when an individual displayed SS bolts on her screen during public comments. This symbol, derived from Nazi Germany, has been adopted by white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. Regardless of whether this individual understood the implications, its effect was threatening and divisive. Hate speech has no place in our community.
It is incumbent upon everyone to speak out against antisemitism and bigotry, whenever it arises. The best way to combat hate speech is to condemn it. Failing to do so is complicity. I am gratified to know that the 9-R school board will not allow this to distract from their work to foster a vibrant and inclusive community for students and families.
Our community is facing a particularly divisive school board election this year. A slate of extremist candidates has championed misinformation about graduation rates and test scores, and advocated for anti-inclusive, anti-science alterations to policy. If these candidates are elected, this will have a detrimental impact on our children’s education and welfare.
It is imperative that residents pay attention to the school board race and vote. As of Oct. 27, only 18% of registered voters in La Plata County had cast their ballots. For my part, I plan to cast my vote for equity, science and public health by supporting Erika, Andrea and Rick and voting “no” on all ballot measures.
Maya Kane
Durango
