Opinion

I am generally of the opinion that former elected officials are wise to cede the debate to those who are elected to fill their former positions. However, it seems that at least one former BSD trustee has unwisely chosen to initiate a discussion on the banning of books in school libraries, so this former trustee would like to offer my own opinion.

Since first watching the May 8 delegation to the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees by Lorraine Hackenschmidt, I’ve been troubled. Troubled, but sadly not surprised. I’ve seen similar delegations to other school boards in recent years, mostly in the United States. I’m sadly aware of the conspiracy theories, hatred, fear and political enablers that amplify these falsehoods and lend encouragement and support to individuals such as this.

To be honest, I’ve watched more hateful presentations than that which was made by Ms. Hackenschmidt, though that doesn’t make the BSD presentation any less concerning. It saddens me that there is a segment of our society that continues to confuse understanding with indoctrination, who would draw false connections to attempt to link individuals’ identities and lifestyles with unassociated criminal behaviours, and demonize those who they fear and do not understand.

At the same time, I am encouraged and not surprised by the response that I am seeing in the community that I called home for so many years. I am proud to see so many voices crying out in opposition to this message of hatred and in support of the school system and those members of our community who are targeted by such vitriol. There are so many great teachers, librarians, councilors and other staff working in our schools, doing their best every day to help our students in all aspects of their intellectual, social and emotional development.

Likewise, there are many members of the historically marginalized LGBTTQ+ community who are valued members of the school community and beyond who deserve to be recognized and valued, and to feel safe within our schools. All these people need our support more than ever. None of these people deserve the aspersions that were cast their way in that presentation.

As an avid reader who encourages and supports reading and learning in my own household, I have read books by those with different gender and sexual identities than myself, and I encourage my school-aged children to do the same. I have learned from those books and gained a better understanding of their perspectives and viewpoints. I was informed, not indoctrinated.

Just as I read books about by those with different religions and other political and social views, even those that may make me personally uncomfortable. It is only by understanding our neighbours that we may truly come to love them as we love ourselves.

So what can we do? We can stand up. We can educate. We can bear witness to the truth and cast down these falsehoods and lies. We can read. We can make sure our children read. We can make sure that the books are there for our children to read.

If you’re in Brandon, you can attend the next board meeting, to be held at 7 p.m. on May 23 at Vincent Massey High School.

It is better to hold a candle than to curse the darkness.

KEVAN SUMNER

Neepawa / Kenora