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GOP’s ‘hateful, threatening’ words at odds with board, DEI

The story, “State GOP threatens to sue schools,” (Herald, Dec. 29) dissects an email written by two GOP party leaders threatening Durango School District 9-R, individual board members and any staff member “who supports or uses this policy to hurt children.”

The cited policy pertains to a District 9-R board action under consideration regarding the display of flags or symbols that represent Black Lives Matter and pride progress (LGBTQ, transgender and people of color).

Said email further states that queer students are “mentally ill,” the Black Lives Matter movement “makes most students feel unsafe,” and “trans kids are being radicalized and used to kill people.”

These words are hateful, threatening and dangerous and surely cannot reflect the stance of the Republican Party as a whole.

The call for action on the part of the 100+ students who marched and attended board meetings reflects absolute support, kindness and caring for their fellow classmates – regardless of race, color or sexual orientation.

Furthermore, the board’s policy reconsideration demonstrates bravery, thoughtfulness and a desire to do the right thing for our community. It certainly does not promote ill will, violence or racism.

I encourage the email authors or anyone interested in this important discussion to read “Caste,” by Isabel Wilkerson and “The Giver,” by Lois Lowry. Both books give insights into why Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) are such important topics of our time and what our country would look like if we don’t embrace their existence.

Sandra Francik

Durango