Tolerance and Diversity

By Sandra L. "Sandy" (Armstrong) Dobbins

As Americans, the least and the most we can expect from our fellow citizens is tolerance of our differences. We live in a rich melting pot of cultures, religions, values and beliefs. Particularly in our public schools, we have an obligation to all of our students to create a safe and enriching environment, so they may all have an equal opportunity to learn, and to thrive.

We are also required by the State Education Code, Board Policies, and the First Amendment to respect the free speech rights of our students. This can sometimes be challenging and uncomfortable, but simply because the speech or action is controversial, it is not necessarily within in our purview to ban or restrict it.

Additionally, the Board has limited authority over after-school clubs and their activities, which are also considered a form a protected speech. Parochial schools, being private institutions, may choose to reserve and sometimes do practice their right to discriminate based on many of the factors that we may not, as a public entity.

I deeply respect every parent's right to teach their own children their values and beliefs. This is a public school system, and all of our students are from diverse and rich cultural and religious heritages; far be it for us to teach one over another. A goal of mine on this Board, is to provide each student, regardless of their race, creed, color, gender, or sexual orientation with a challenging, rigorous and relevant education within a safe, enriching educational environment.

Our public school system exists to serve the needs of a diverse population of students, and I strongly believe that this is cause for celebration, not dismay.