To the Editor:

That Newtown became embroiled in a battle to ban two nationally acclaimed, coming-of-age graphic novels was embarrassing. It mirrored the agenda of Moms for Liberty, designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. But diversity, equity, and inclusion have prevailed!

I am proud of our teachers, administrators, and library media specialists, who stood by their students. These individuals studied to become professional educators — often earning multiple degrees. They certainly did not deserve the inflammatory accusations hurled at them. I applaud them for doing the right thing, even in the face of being placed on a parent blacklist by those in favor of the ban. It took heart, integrity, and courage to put their careers on the line for their students. We are so fortunate to have them.

I’m proud of our community, which overwhelmingly voiced respect for the professional judgment of Newtown educators and the needs and maturity of their students. I’m proud that we stood up against oppression of the marginalized. I’m proud that there were empty nesters alongside parents of current students who attended rallies and BOE meetings, and wrote letters to The Newtown Bee and the BOE. This community understands that rallying and speaking up for one another is not done to “incite” or “intimidate,” as others have portrayed it. To fight for our voices is an American value to be cherished.

I’m proud to be an active member of Newtown Allies For Change. Our mission is to center BIPOC, but we stood with the LGBTQ+ community, assuring them that they have every right to be heard, represented, and to live alongside their straight/cis peers without the shame of being called “perverted.” NAFC understands that government should be transparent and that through laws such as the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, citizens can (and should) expose behavior that could be considered unethical when it occurs.

Mostly I am proud of our students who spoke eloquently and passionately before the BOE in support of themselves and future students. They are well-informed and express their viewpoints clearly and confidently. They didn’t stand before a dais of adults in authority because, as was suggested, “they thought they were cool.” These kids care about one another. They don’t just “tolerate” or “accept” diversity, equity, and inclusion. They welcome and embrace it. Kudos to their parents for instilling these values — it gives me hope for our future.

Lastly I am proud of Newtown families (including mine) who never, ever, ever give our LGBTQ+ kids reason to doubt that they are loved with every fiber of our being. They know that we don’t think they are “perverted” or that they are victims of “groomers.” We don’t believe anything is “wrong” with them. We cherish and adore the person they know themselves to be. We are grateful for them, even as we fear the national move to extinguish their rights and cancel their existence.

Lives will be saved because of these books, these educators, and this community. I am grateful for and very, very proud of Newtown.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wendy Leon-Gambetta