To the Editor:

I support freedom of expression, verbally and written. I support public education, which is free and mandated to provide appropriate resources to all students. I support literature that promotes empathy, critical thinking, and a right to explore life in a way that’s true to oneself.

Newtown’s special committee of educational experts reviewed and unanimously recommended that Flamer and Blankets remain on the high school’s library shelves. As an attendee at the committee meeting, in addition to watching and listening, I could feel their sincerity, how seriously they viewed their task at hand, and the love they have for their students and their well-being. I value their professional opinion.

No school staff member or any person at all should ever experience harassment. It broke my heart to hear staff members speak at the last board meeting about such injustices inflicted upon them.

Stop it.

It is my hope that when the seven Board of Education members enter the meeting room the night of the vote, they will all check their political influences at the door, but hold closely in their hearts and minds the unanimous expert recommendation by the special review committee to keep Flamer and Blankets on the high school’s library shelves.

It is also my hope that although there will undoubtedly be some people who are upset by whatever decision is made through the democratic process we so cherish, we can maintain civility while expressing our feelings through our right to free speech.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Cooper

Sandy Hook