Book removal an assault on education

As past principals of Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes, we were disheartened and saddened after reading the May 25 story “Poet says she feels ‘gutted’ after Dade school bars her poem.” A book of poetry is not a recitation of historical facts; it is the author’s life experiences, thoughts and feelings expressed in a unique way. Amanda Gorman, a National Youth Poet Laureate, is not only an award-winning author, she also delivered her poem,

“The Hill We Climb,” at a president’s inauguration.

Of great concern is that because one parent objected and the book was removed, a slippery slope has developed. We know there are extremists who deny the Holocaust. A few such persons have already decided that books about the Holocaust should be unavailable to students.

Will those also be removed? What right do we have as educators, parents, and citizens to pick and choose what subjects we wish for students to explore?

Our job as educators is to expose students to various (accurate) subject matters and teach them to think and choose for themselves. Only fascist countries censor what their citizens can hear or read.

We know the dedication, hard work and caring that teachers and staff at this school give to all students. We feel compassion for them. They and their school should be proud while facing national and international scrutiny. We, as citizens, should do everything we can to stop the influences of extremist individuals on children who are not their own.

Last, we apologize to Gorman on behalf of those who made this decision. This should not have happened, and, we hope, will not again.