Diversity of opinion matters in education system

Yesterday we learned that Ashley Bennett had resigned from her position with the North Penn School District. This decision coming following her being placed on leave while an investigation was pursued, because her public statements regarding Black Lives Matters did not, as reported, “align with the district’s values.”

I do not know Ms. Bennett but am saddened that her employment has been ended as a result. It should be clearly stated that there must be equality and justice for all without any regard for race or creed. Equality and justice for all must be the core of our culture! Having said that, it is critical that we not come to the place where a disagreement with any organization or movement is reprehensible.

One can raise questions about intentions, methods or procedure with any group, including Black Lives Matter, without being considered racist. If we have come to that point we are in worse trouble than we thought. No organization or group in our society is so sacrosanct that it is above being criticized or questioned. What is sacrosanct in our nation, or once was, is the right and privilege to speak one’s mind without reprisal.

The district’s core value of seeking diversity must also include diversity of opinions. In an era when bullying has been in the forefront we may do well to remember bullying can also be a weapon in the arena of ideas and opinion. We certainly wouldn’t want our students to think they were ostracized or under pressure to be quiet because they shared a differing viewpoint. If we come to the place where only one view, one opinion, is accepted and others are quashed, we will as a community and nation be poorer indeed. I fear we are moving in that direction and when we fully arrive there we may be one of the silenced and we will not be pleased.