District 200: Reverse your decision

What follows is a message I sent to the Superintendent Wheaton Warrenville District 200.

Dr. Drury, I received my phone call today informing me that District 200 schools will not allow students to view President Obama's message to students. My son is a sixth-grader at Monroe Middle School. I felt compelled to notify you that I am very disappointed with decision.

The excuse for not showing this message seemed to rely on the fact that the school district would not be able to preview the president's message. I feel insulted by this excuse because I do not believe it.

What message would the president of the United States give to students that could be so controversial or harmful to my son or other students?

I feel that this decision was made for political reasons, and I find it very sad that an educational institution would bend to political winds of fear and hate.

There is no reasonable basis to prevent students from seeing this message other than politics. Instead of giving students a forum to discuss, learn, and become enthusiastic about their country, their responsibilities as citizens, and their future, District 200 has found it more important rally behind individuals and groups who would stifle free speech and the rights of citizenship.

I implore you to reverse your decision.

If you are unwilling to do so, I hope that you will find courage in the future to promote education instead of censorship.

Gary Lorber

Wheaton