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Kathy Smith,
Sully District
Works
For You. Works For Kids.
Letter to the Editor:
Kathy Smith: The Voice of Reason
October 16, 2003
To the Editor:
At candidate forums at Rocky Run Middle School and Chantilly Regional
Library recently, School Board candidate Carl Cecil clearly aligned
himself with controversial social agendas. Does he really believe,
as he claimed, that current policies "encourage pornographic
materials in schools?" Does he truly believe that Sully District
School Board Representative Kathy Smith favors "smutty books"
in schools? Mr. Cecil may wish to turn down the heat of distorted
accusations before the temperature reaches Fahrenheit 451.
Mrs. Smith's position is entirely consistent with that of Parents
Against Bad Books In Schools (PABBIS). The PABBIS Web site states:
"PABBIS has not determined or declared any books bad. PABBIS
thinks only the parent can make that call. A bad book for your child
is what you determine bad. Not us here at PABBIS, not the schools,
not the government, not elected officials. Only the parent."
Kathy Smith's position is both principled and respectful of diversity.
By supporting teachers and the Program of Studies, she recognizes
that some outstanding literature includes questionable passages
that require discussion, perspective, and judgment. By supporting
the availability of alternate assignments upon parent request, she
respects the diversity of families in our community.
Kathy Smith understands, honors, and respects the fact that individual
parents may find particular books lurid, disturbing or offensive.
But she also recognizes that the unspoken risk of a school board
acting as arbiter of good taste in literature is contradictory to
the principle of free speech in a pluralistic society.
Kathy Smith believes that it is parents — not government officials
— who know best what is appropriate for their own children.
Voters who agree should vote Nov. 4 for the voice of reason: Kathy
Smith.
Ted and Patricia Velkoff
Chantilly
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