To the editor:

American public schools are under attack in our communities because of issues some parents promote that are drawn from advice provided by non-Hastings-based and non-Minnesota-based organizations. These attacks are designed to push a biased and narrow school agenda based on extremist ideology.

I am endorsing Matt Seeger, Matt Bruns, Mariah Ring, and Brandy Wentzler for the Hastings ISD #200 School Board because they believe that schools should:

• Provide resource and library materials that are accessible to every child and should meet the social, emotional, demographic, and ethnic needs of every child.
• Provide a safe learning environment for every child, no matter their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, religion, or citizenship.
• Create and implement a comprehensive curriculum that addresses all subject material, even that which may be challenging or uncomfortable for some learners.

And I am endorsing them because they also believe that schools shouldn’t:

• Limit access to or ban books and other resources because some parents oppose them.
• Discriminate or create a hostile environment for children who are different from others, especially those who are exploring their gender and sexuality, ethnic identity, race, or religion.
• Acquiesce to demands for removal of curriculum content because it doesn’t conform to some parents’ belief systems.

While some are fighting to allow schools to discriminate and limit exposure to ideas they disagree with, these candidates will fight for schools to accept, include, and expand opportunities for all students.

Vote for Matt, Matt, Mariah, and Brandy to keep ISD 200 Strong!!

William M Spinelli, MD, MPA