Easthampton values inclusion and free speech

Free speech is protected and celebrated in Easthampton. Racism is not.

On May 9, the Easthampton School Committee voted to prohibit displays of the Confederate flag on public school property, unless for educational purposes. Like all districts, the Easthampton Public Schools restrict certain forms of student expression that pose a disruption or danger to the learning environment.

As the Easthampton schools respond to student concerns about racial tensions among the high school student body, the School Committee determined that the Confederate flag, with its long-documented associations with white supremacy and racial violence, violates both dress-code and nondiscrimination policy, and jeopardizes a necessary environment of equity and inclusion.

Also on May 9, we saw an extraordinary exercise in the right of free speech. At our public meeting, community members with a wide variety of perspectives and ideologies peaceably assembled and made their voices heard during the public speak session. Students stood and shared their experiences. Citizens submitted letters and petitions. Conversations and debate spilled from City Hall to sidewalks to online forums. Journalists penned reports for the free press. Among elected officials there were statements of consensus, and of dissent.

While not all may be satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, free and open discourse continues. Public education may be imperfect, but it is an invaluable institution. Public schools welcome all students and promise them an environment in which they are all safe to learn.

Also, public schools are locally governed and invite the community to share ideas, raise concerns, elect representatives, witness decision-making processes, and express opinions on those decisions. In serving both roles, public education remains the cornerstone of democracy.

Our community can stand proud that both inclusion and free speech prevail.

Marissa Carrere

Easthampton

The writer is a member of the Easthampton School Committee.

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