I am writing in response to recent articles in Connecticut newspapers describing the Fairfield school superintendent’s decision to cancel an event connected to our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event, which was intended to honor American history, was canceled because individuals who disagreed with the keynote speaker’s views demanded its removal. The keynote speaker that was scheduled for the event was U.S. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon. I find this decision troubling. Democratic secretaries of education have previously been permitted to speak in Connecticut schools without resistance and as often as they chose. Disagreeing with a speaker’s message is never a valid reason to cancel an event, especially in America, and especially during a celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. A careful review of the emails and exchanges between state representatives and the school reveals deep hypocrisy: denial of Democrats’ own prior actions, disregard for the First Amendment rights of students and event organizers, and dismissal of parents’ concerns about their children’s educational opportunities. Most concerning is the denial of students’ right to learn the full and honest history of our country. America was founded on the First Amendment—the right to free speech and to be heard regardless of political affiliation. If individuals or families disagree with a speaker’s views, they are free not to attend. They do not have the right to silence speakers and deny anyone, especially children, the opportunity to listen and learn. Canceling an event to suppress opposing viewpoints undermines education and violates the duty owed to students and constituents alike. It is worth asking whether the superintendent or the representatives involved would have objected to a speaker who supported their own political views. We all know the answer to that question. Education is about exposing children to a wide range of information —including to old, new and differing perspectives on history — so they can think critically and form their own beliefs. Our nation’s 250-year history includes both triumphs and failures, including for example: slavery, the displacement of Native Americans, and women being denied the right to vote. These realities, uncomfortable as they may be, shaped the country we live in today. Teaching history honestly —right or wrong, liked or not —is essential to understanding the present. By canceling this event, the superintendent sent exactly the wrong message. Students must be taught that there are multiple perspectives and be allowed to decide for themselves what they believe. This decision removed that opportunity. Furthermore, students lost the chance to hear directly from a cabinet member of a President of the United States —an opportunity that should be considered an honor and a privilege in an educational setting, especially when the speaker is a well respected person who is also a successful and accomplished business woman who has contributed significantly to the State of Connecticut. Denying any cabinet official, regardless of party or administration, the opportunity to speak at a school deprives students of valuable exposure to national leadership and historical insight. Schools must remain places of learning —learning all elements of history and engaging with diverse viewpoints. While some may view the politicians who opposed the event and the superintendent who yielded to pressure as having “won,” the true losers are the students. They lost the opportunity to attend, if they chose to, an important educational event simply because it conflicted with the opinions of some. That outcome should concern us all. Julie M. Porzio lives in Waterbury.   ...read more read less