ANGELO LYNN

Leading off the front page in today’s Addison Independent is a blaring headline with two stories about two parents who have asked the Mary Hogan Elementary School to ban five books that teach gender issues to kindergarten students. It’s a big issue because asking school officials to ban books is no small request, but also because it plays into the national debate that sharply divides the country. 

That said, there is an orderly school process that handles such matters and that’s being followed, respectfully, by both sides. It is, in that respect, a routine affair that could easily be dismissed. 

Yet, a few ugly comments on social media toward teachers teaching the class and the general tension around gender issues makes the story worthy to bring front and center. 

Here’s why: 1) the books in question are harmless enough; 2) educational professionals review books for all grade levels and you can bet these books on this issue were carefully scrutinized; and 3) we all need to accept that times change — it’s not the relatively quaint 1950s, nor even the ’70s, or ’90s. 

Finding and being comfortable with one’s gender identity is a necessary part of growing up in today’s world, and it’s a good thing. Today’s children are being introduced and taught one guiding principle: It’s OK to be you. That message, professional educators say, is best conveyed by starting at an early age and these books do that well.

We understand, however, the two parents’ angst. They rightly argue that kindergarten seems too young to broach gender issues. You can imagine them expounding on the issue with great frustration: Can’t we just let kids be kids for at least a few years before we indoctrinate them into some liberal agenda?!!

They have a point, and a right to bring the issue before the school board. They should also accept the school’s decision, graciously, once the process is completed.

Nor should it be lost on area residents that in more than half the states in this country, banning these five books would be dominating today’s discussion at Mary Hogan. As it is, the opposite happened. Those supporting the teaching of gender issues rallied to the school board meeting and defended the books and the teachers involved. 

Count your blessings where they are.

Angelo Lynn