BOOKS IN SCHOOLS: Parents have options

What is the purpose of a school? To educate.

What types of schools are there? Public, Private (religious or secular) and Home.

Public schools are just that: Public, not governed by any religious doctrine or political ideology; instead ruled by scientific facts not opinions.

Private schools are wonderful. They generally have high parent participation and student outcomes.

Home schooling is best; although, most parents are not up to the task, because it is labor intensive, expensive if done correctly, and really, really hard to do well.

Which is why most people outsource child education; they default to public schools, wherein experts teach with loving hearts (teachers who hate kids do not teach for long).

Yet to be successful, public schools must remain public; not mini-religious academies. Whatever happened to: Thou shall not hate. You will be judged by how you persecute others.

Calling for certain offensive books to be removed from schools is a millstone around the neck; it is not righteous nor pious work laboring to crush others who fail to embrace your particular religious opinion.

An argument can be made about banning dictionaries; they are full of offensive words. Shall we prohibit all dictionaries? Remove all books from libraries because books contain ideas and ideas are dangerous. So to with the Bible; it is offensive and must be removed from all public places?

The solution to parents who are offended by books and curriculum is to remove their child from public school; not ban books. Parents have options.

GINGER THORNWALKER

Post Falls