On Monday, Nov. 21, national news covered the tragic mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs. Only minutes later, national news turned toward the increasing ineffectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security as the greatest threats to the United States of America come from within, particularly from political extremists and white supremacist groups.

Enough is enough. Attacks against the LGBTQI+ community and attacks from white supremacist groups have the same root cause — ignorance and hate.

The job of the Douglas County Board of Education and superintendent is to fight ignorance and hate at the local level. Even so, five of the eight members of this group — Superintendent Kane, Director Peterson, Director Williams, Director Winegar, and Director Myers — seem to be on the side of ignorance and hate. Their divisive rhetoric, actions against and now inaction around the district’s equity policy, membership in groups that allow transphobic rhetoric, and endorsements of anti-LGBTQI+ political candidates speak volumes.

Directors and Superintendent Kane, do your jobs! Fight ignorance and hate, and position our teachers, administrators, and staff members in this district to educate students who will become adults who are empowered to stand up against hate and ignorance. Do better!

Kim Turnage

Parent of three DCSD graduates and 13-year volunteer in DCSD schools

Highlands Ranch