To the Editor:

I listened to the community discussion on race presented by the library this past week. Thank you [Bee Editor John Voket] for being a part of this informative event.

However, I admit I was dismayed at the nature of the questions submitted regarding the impact of DEI!

Can students opt out? Opt out of what?

Out of the opportunity to develop and embrace communication skills and compassion and understanding that will allow them to be more thoughtful citizens?

No doubt Newtown Public Schools DEI Coordinator Wesley Johnson will make this clear to all of us eventually, but please allow me to add my voice to those that embrace this path as a sum positive based upon my current understanding.

DEI is not punitive. It is not accusatory. It is not anti-White.

It is about facilitating positive relationships and easing stress. It’s about helping people who feel marginalized to be heard so that they can better participate in all that our community has to offer.

Its goal is not to make anyone feel guilty about the choices of their ancestors, their parents, their cousins, their friends.

It is a tool to help us understand the harmful practices we have embraced through no fault of our own. To help us understand how to rethink these behaviors and the benefit of putting them aside. Our children who have DEI experiences will find themselves becoming more effective communicators. Particularly with those that do not share their experiences.

To be effective, it does require us to be open to learning. And that can be difficult and can even feel threatening. But as I understand it based upon my interactions with Mr Johnson and DEI representatives at my place of employment, they are trained and motivated to facilitate these discussions in a manner that feels safe.

I encourage my fellow Newtowners to not listen to pundits who misrepresent the concept of DEI but to listen to Mr Johnson. Keep an open mind. Look for this to help us better understand each other.

Let us hope we can look forward to a future where we can feel less divided because we’ve learned how to look each other in the eye and have an honest conversation.

Linda O’Sullivan

Sandy Hook