The rumors about DV aren’t true

Don’t believe everything you hear. 

I had heard some rumors about shocking things happening in the Delaware Valley School District, so I decided to do some research about them before being appalled. I’ve since spoken with numerous students, parents and teachers, and exchanged emails with the school board president, Jack Fisher, for clarification.

What I’ve discovered is that all of these shocking rumors are patently untrue. These are notions being spread by people hell-bent on decimating our current school board. The ultimate goal of these people is to end public education. They are doing this because they have a financial stake in the for-profit schools and/or religious zealotry. Their ultimate plan results in a huge dumbing down of our youth. 

To be clear:

There had NEVER been any performance by a drag queen at any of the DV schools. There has NEVER been any performance by a drag queen at any DV-sponsored event.

There are no human-sized litter boxes being used by students identifying as “furries” in any of the DV schools.

Students are NEVER required to read any books to which their parents object. There is a simple procedure for parents to opt their child out of any specific book. This includes books in the DV libraries as well.

Critical race theory is NOT on any curriculum in any DV school. It is not being taught.

Members of the public are ALWAYS allowed to speak at DV school board meetings. 

When you hear shocking things about our school board and their “woke” agenda, please do your research before accepting them as fact. DV has a dedicated school board, a brilliant new superintendent, terrific administrators and outstanding teachers. I have found everyone I spoke with cooperative when asked about these rumors. 

We are smarter than this, DV. Don’t believe everything you hear.

Gretchen Pollack
Milford, PA

PA human rights commission director responds to Tyre Nichols video

Once again, our nation is dealing with the murder of a Black man at the hands of police officers. The brutality exhibited by these officers toward Tyre Nichols showed a severe lack of humanity. What started as a simple traffic stop escalated into the violent beating and killing of a man.

This video is violent and horrific. Watching it triggered a form of vicarious traumatization for me. Therefore, everyone should be mindful of how the viewing of murder can impact their mental health.

While I was grateful to see the quick announcement of kidnapping and murder charges against the five officers, there is much more that needs to be done across the country, including in our commonwealth, to dismantle systemic racism and bias in our institutions and communities. We must insist on changing our police culture and ending a history of police violence against people of color. We can achieve this by ensuring our police departments have transparent policies and offer training in unconscious bias and ethnic intimidation.

I stand in support of those who are calling for reforms and planning peaceful protests. PHRC will monitor events around Pennsylvania and the nation and will continue to play a vital role in eradicating racism and discrimination through training, advocacy and more.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of immediate help, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Mental health resources are available for those experiencing racial trauma, [visit www.pa.gov/guides/mental-health/#RacialTrauma] for more information.

The PHRC, the state’s leading social justice enforcement agency, urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate to file a complaint with the PHRC by calling 717/787-4410.

Information and resources are also available at www.PHRC.pa.gov.

Chad Dion Lassiter
PHRC executive director
Harrisburg, PA