To the Editor:

On January 29, The Bee ran an article about the new changes put into place by the Board of Education. These changes, made by Chairwoman Deb Zukowski, referred to meetings “nose diving” during public participation. Zukowski was concerned that clapping during public participation would silence opposition and cause people to feel uncomfortable.

Even when a 10 year old child shared with the board about how he experienced being called racial slurs and how he wanted that to stop, clapping was discouraged.

Imagine my shock at the hypocrisy shown by the board, and specifically by Ms Zukowski herself, at the BOE meeting on February 15, a mere 17 days after putting her decisions in print.

Parents and students showed up to speak passionately about removing the mask mandates in our schools. In spite of reading the “no clapping” policy out loud, Ms Zukowski loudly and eagerly clapped after speeches.

She also allowed members of the public to speak well beyond the three minute time frame and did nothing to rein it in. Audience members called out in support and none of them were silenced and not one mention of the new policy was uttered by the chairwoman.

For the members of the audience who have sat and silently followed her rules, holding back clapping when people spoke passionately about racism and DEI efforts in the community, this was a slap in the face. It shows us that this isn’t about keeping things civil. It is about keeping certain members of our community comfortable and other members silent.

Carrie Grummons

Newtown