To the Editor:

Congratulations to Deborra Zukowski on being chosen to head the new Board of Education.

As a fellow member of [Newtown Allies For Change], I look forward to your support of our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative.

But I am disturbed about your worries about “political” words.

Words have power. They become “political” tools because of their power. Remember, the pen is mightier than the sword!

Suggesting that we avoid powerful, “political” words such as “diversity”, “equity”, “inclusion”, weakens the statements we are trying to make. Substitutions would weaken the message to the point of irrelevancy.

No, thank you.

The words are controversial because of their power. They frighten those who support a status-quo that enforces a hierarchy based not on merit, but on wealth, race, gender, LGBTQIA status, religion, special needs, education.

We want to lift up all our children, regardless of their background, culture, circumstances or personal characteristics. We want to recognize their potential, not discourage them based on ill-founded assumptions and erroneous expectations. Appreciating and recognizing diversity benefits all our children.

Linda O’Sullivan

Sandy Hook