Homecoming story needs clarification
Due to Thursday's (Sept. 20) article in the Daily Herald regarding Buffalo Grove High School's homecoming activities, I want to clarify a few items.
The Buffalo Grove High School Student Council traditionally plans homecoming festivities for the entire building. One tradition over the last several years has been playing music in the halls during passing periods.
Typically, the music selected reflects the theme of the given day. The theme of this year's homecoming week (Sept. 24 - 28) is "Around the World," highlighting the destinations of the day, which include the United States, the Arctic, Greece, Africa, and culminating with the traditional Buffalo Grove Spirit Day.
The United States is simply a destination on the world tour, and students are encouraged to dress in professional sports attire to reflect the theme. Subsequently, songs chosen by the student council include "Kids in America," "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," "Born in the USA," the Bulls' theme song, the Bears' fight song, "Living in America," and "Surfin' USA."
Contrary to published newspaper articles, the decision to not play "God Bless America" was made by the student council because the song simply did not reflect the theme of the day. The student council, which is an elected body of students, was brainstorming songs to play during homecoming week. All different kinds of songs were suggested, and people reacted either positively or negatively based on what they thought of the song. One student suggested "God Bless America." Other students thought that for homecoming week songs with a more energetic tempo should be considered, ones that more closely reflect the theme of the day. Another student commented that the song should be secular. That was the end of the comments, and the group continued brainstorming ideas before agreeing to the songs noted above.
Neither Buffalo Grove High School nor District 214 has ever banned "God Bless America." In fact, "God Bless America," "God Bless the USA," and other patriotic songs were played during Buffalo Grove's 2001 homecoming week activities when the theme was "Celebrate America."
It is unfortunate that this student-initiated brainstorming exercise among student council members has taken on a life of its own. This issue has been blown way out of proportion.
We are very proud of the student council as they work through a decision-making process that is respectful to all.
Venetia L. Miles
Director
Community Relations
High School District 214
Clinic should be allowed to open
I am very disturbed by the recent events in Aurora surrounding the opening of a Planned Parenthood facility. As I know from personal experience, Planned Parenthood provides quality, affordable health-care services, including contraception, tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and breast and cervical cancer screenings.
Low-income women and teenagers are in desperate need of such services, and through its work, Planned Parenthood does more to prevent unplanned pregnancies and abortions than any anti-choice organization ever will. The health-care needs of girls and women in Aurora should not be held hostage by anti-birth control extremists. The clinic should be allowed to open.
Catherine Caporusso Northbrook