Subject: Protect inclusive education in Erie, IL this Monday! To people in zip codes: 61250, 61242, 61251, 61255, 61275, 61277 Dear supporter, Family diversity and anti-bullying education is under attack in Erie, IL. Last month, a school counselor decided to respond to the student harassment he saw at school by proposing the use of a nationally-recognized and applauded anti-bullying curriculum and children’s book on family diversity. The materials went through the district’s formal review process and were recommended for use by a committee made of parents and educators. But when a small group of people held a prayer vigil outside of a school board meeting in protest of the LGBT-inclusive materials, the superintendent unilaterally banned the materials, and any resource or activity endorsed by GLSEN, the leading national organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Now we need your help convincing the Erie School Board to overturn the superintendent’s decision and reinstate inclusive education. What: Erie Community School Board Meeting Where: District Administration Office: 520 5th Ave. Erie, IL 61250 When: Monday, May 21, 2012, 6:30pm You can also write to the school board at 520 5th Ave. Erie, IL 61250. Please attend only if you are a family or taxpayer in the Erie Community School District. If you are a supporter outside of the district, please pass this message on to friends and family that are part of the Erie community. The materials (Ready, Set, Respect and The Family Book by Todd Parr) are known to be effective in reducing bullying and creating classrooms that are safe for all students to learn. For more information about the meeting, to sign a petition, or to get involved, please contact Erie School District parent Amanda Misfeldt at 309-314-5505 or [email protected].