Values are the choice of individual, not community

The April 11 letter claims that the Gay Straight Alliance does not belong in schools because it's "making kids aware of, and approving of practices they are not ready to make decisions on." In other words, it makes them aware of sex and homosexuality. I was in high school only three years ago and I can guarantee you these are things highschoolers are aware of and making decisions on, clubs or no.

Also the previous letter asks, in regard to freedom of assembly and human rights: "What about the human rights of those who object to the indoctrination of our children in values contrary to our own." April 11, you need to open your eyes and your mind and realize it is your "basic human right" as you put it, to send your child to a different school.

If you send your child to public school you have to expect that they're going to be influenced by the values of all the different children and teachers they come in contact with, just like in the real world, but who is to say that's bad. Who is to say that anyone's values are better or more important than someone else's. Polling the parents to determine which clubs to allow or voting out board members who don't share your own values will produce the result of only showing the opinions of some of the community, the equally valid voices of smaller groups will be lost.

The truth is that in the current time; values, political standing, lifestyle choices, sexual preference and religion are all the choices of the individual, not the community. How can we expect children to learn to make these choices for themselves if they are unaware there are any choices until they leave school?

I, like April 11, would also encourage those who agree to call schools and attend board meetings, but to show that many of us support diversity and applaud their recognition of freedom of assembly.

AMBER WOODS

Sandpoint