Students deserve respect for defending club

Valentine's Day evening, a rather large group of students spoke to the School Board and to the community of Bonner County. Parents and others from the larger community also spoke.

To the students, I wish to say thank you for showing the strength of conviction to speak out for what you think is right. And, above all, I want to assure you all that the vast majority of non-students who attended this meeting showed very strong support for you and your position. For the stance you have taken to make your community at SHS a safer, more tolerant place for all people, you have our sincere respect.

The very few who opposed you failed to demonstrate any logical argument; rather, most relied on an Old Testament "fire and brimstone" approach to the world, suggesting we move away from tolerance and personal dignity back to an age of closed minds and shuttered hearts. As one speaker said in support of you students, if you must use religion to make your point, a New Testament view of love and compassion from the teachings of Jesus should prevail.

Regardless of the intellectual or faith-based argument one makes, the goal should be to promote a safe, tolerant and accessible community in our schools, not just for a chosen few, but for everyone. Each of us should ask himself or herself what it is we are trying to teach in the schools. I believe overwhelmingly that tolerance, acceptance and the ability of all to discuss even sensitive issues openly, honestly and respectfully should be our goal.

Students, you have my admiration, support and respect. Don't let the opposition get you down. Just like Kevin Bacon in the movie "Footloose," you can defeat the narrow-minded fear-mongers among us and you will make our world a better place in the process.

KEN LARSON

Bonner Count