Civility needed for gender issue


While I am applauding the courage of responsible parents for refusing neutrality in the moral crisis when defending their parental rights—to refuse some parts of the materials and instruction that are not age appropriate or offensive to their personal views—regarding the Oak Park school district adopted gender-based curriculum, I certainly want to compliment the reasonable parents and OPUSD who have respectfully listened to one another’s concerns and views.

It will be interesting to hear the outcome after OPUSD presents their plan of implementation to the parents on Sept. 10 at Red Oak Elementary School.

Hopefully, many OPUSD parents attended. The entire Oak Park/Agoura Hills community will be affected by the outcome.

Dialogue is possible when approaching heated topics with respect. Both OPUSD and the parents are examples and a reminder of how following the principles to create a win-win situation can be achieved.

By truly listening to one another thoroughly and finding common ground, it is possible for a result with respect for rights of all and allow an environment for every student to thrive.

Civility and all the virtues the said curriculum is supposed to bring to attention and implementation begins at home and is more effective than legislation.

Along with no child left behind in education, let’s be sure no rights for anyone are left behind as well.

Katherine Mackay
Agoura Hills