All of a sudden school board elections have become the new ocal point of our increasingly polarized society Groups like “Moms for Liberty” – as if the rest of us were opposed to liberty – have taken on school boards regarding policies on LGBT+ issues, books children and adolescents can read, and attacking history curricula. Much of the politicization of school board races as been fueled by the radical right.
A recent survey indicated that most people think that the transgender issue affects 20% of the population 13 and over, where in reality only 0.6% identify as trans. But the furor created by the radical right has catapulted this into a looming menace to our ideas of sexual identity. Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill!
Books and history curricula are other areas being attacked. Denying that slavery was the major issue in the Civil War is like believing the sun revolves around the earth. Do we believe that our children are so stupid that they cannot sort out ideas? Do we want educators to tow a party line like they do in China or Russia where books are banned? Real liberty is the freedom to read and to learn how to discern truth from fiction.
Prayer for the Day
Beset by those who would make us fear what we do not understand,
It often seems like the world has turned upside down;
Urged by fear-mongers not to trust new ideas in our communities,
We feel as if we have lost our footing on the earth beneath us.
Grant, O Lord, that we regain our faith in our ability to think,
For you have given us minds to sort out truth from fiction.
In the name of the One who is our guide.
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We are in a national political polarization right now and that is in juxtaposition with our local boards trying to work in the best interests of students.
- Timothy Purnell, New Jersey School Boards Association
What’s happening in New Jersey is part of a national trend in which school boards are growing more political and divided by party ideology
- Andrew Gooch, assistant professor of political science, Rowan University
Vindicate me, O Lord, or I have walked in my integrity and have trusted in the Lord.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness with you,
Psalm 26: 1-3