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Interesting Objections

The July 15 letter to the editor “The First Amendment Party” [by Helena Santiago] raises interesting objections about the recent informational forum held at the Community Center on June 24 discussing Critical Race Theory. The writer takes issue with the nature of the protection provided by the Guilford Police Department, the composition of those in attendance, and apparently that the event took place at all.

Our police did a superlative job handling what might have become a difficult situation, if not for their calm and professional demeanor. Nevertheless, the writer is unhappy that it seems only a person of color was removed from the event and no White citizen was. I suppose this represents equality of opportunity, rather than equity of result to her.

Her opinion is that the event was not in compliance with the center’s rental policy in that use of a room should be “in the best interest of the community.” A call to Parks & Recreation Director Rick Maynard confirms this forum did not violate or infringe upon the center’s standards. Additionally, one group that he mentioned that is using the center and has apparently been meeting there for several years embraces ideas I profoundly disagree with. Tolerance for opposing viewpoints in Guilford is on the wane.

Lack of citizen interest or participation in government, including the public school system and curriculum, is irresponsible. These schools are paid for lock, stock, and barrel, including salaries, benefits, and retirement plans, by local taxpayers. It is always in the best interest of the community, in Guilford or anywhere, for citizens to be informed about their neighborhood schools. Whether or not your readers have children enrolled in the district, is inconsequential. If they are taxpaying citizens, it is their duty to be knowledgeable and informed.

Colleen Roberts

Guilford