Letter In Support Of Equity In The Central York School District

LWVPA members, supporters, and partners:

Today we bear witness to a deeply divided nation and Commonwealth. Areas of disagreement extend to the COVID-19 pandemic protection measures, issues of equity and inclusion, and to voters’ access to the ballot box, to name a few. Sadly, this time of discord and disharmony impacts the education of our most vulnerable, precious and important of all assets -- our children and youth. Access to education is a right and responsibility; education is the foundation of our understanding of and participation in civil society.

While most Pennsylvania public schools and school boards work to provide equity for all students, other leaders take a different approach, attempting to mandate limits to educational resources which promote understanding and equity.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania does not support any arbitrary or discriminatory restrictions to the teaching of facts, accurate history, civics, or social policy in our schools. We deplore efforts, based on racism, fear, or bias, which are intended to silence or intimidate staff and restrict content or the works of authors. Recently, the efforts of members of the Central York Pennsylvania School Board made national headlines for banning such resources, including 250 books and other media by and about women and people of color.

Through the brave efforts of students and parents who protested, Central York School District has now reversed this decision. We commend these students and their community. We stand in support of all Pennsylvania school districts and communities as they work together to build equitable, honest, and engaging educational opportunities for their students.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania supports educators, administrators and their important role in our democracy. We support all nonpartisan efforts to restore honest discussion and civil dialogue intended to build deeper understanding and eventual consensus around the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Our nonpartisan approach works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Hanf
Director of Equity, LWVPA