To the Editor:

I have heard some Newtown residents are fretting that diverse voices and multicultural viewpoints are being heard in our schools. They’ve expressed concern to the Board of Education (BOE) that their children will feel bad about being white or hate America if they learn about racism. Reviewing Newtown’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework, resolutions, and practices on the Newtown Public School System’s website (under Current Topics) I find these parents’ fears perplexing. I also question why they would not want educational curriculum to be based on facts.

Although a Democrat, I have cast many votes for local Republicans throughout my 30 years in Newtown, including for one current BOE member. However this year I am urging everyone to vote for the two Democratic BOE candidates: Jennifer Padilla and Daniel Cruson. While voters are allowed to vote for up to four candidates, Padilla and Cruson have clearly prioritized DEI, which has within its framework providing a “safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for students and staff.” I believe their presence on the BOE will be of immeasurable value to the children of our town.

Similarly I trust the Democratic candidates to keep our community healthy. Some parents have pleaded with the board to remove or loosen masking, quarantine, and gathering practices put in place to protect students and staff from contracting COVID-19. I trust Padilla and Cruson to stand strong against this vocal minority of parents as they continue to pressure the board. Newtown can only be as healthy as our schoolchildren.

Jennifer Padilla and Daniel Cruson continue to make themselves available to publicly answer questions from voters. Most importantly, they will have all Newtown students in mind when making important and sometimes difficult decisions.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wendy Leon-Gambetta

Newtown