Thank you, Alpena School Board members Anna Meinhardt and Sarah Fritz and Superintendent Dave Rabbideau, for your comments on the proposal presented by Eric Lawson at the most recent board workshop meeting. The proposal was to alter the present school policy regarding the use of instructional materials. Your comments exposed the weaknesses in the proposal and clearly supported the advantages of the current policy. If the proposed policy changes were made, three people (a majority of the school board) would decide what materials would be used in all our schools. The only reason given for the proposed change was that the present process takes “too long.”

I believe censorship is a serious issue and, certainly, should take time for due consideration, should involve more than three people, and should involve persons with expertise. Mr. Lawson stated that board members could consult with educators, IF THEY WISH. Since due diligence should be used in cases of censorship, a longer process involving more people would seem to be an advantage.

With the present school policy, there are more people making decisions, there is support for the person making a complaint, and there is a likelihood that the complaint can be resolved during the process. I see no reason to alter the present policy.

SONYA TITUS,

Alpena