An open letter to Teton County School District regarding the educational and constitutional importance of offering students a diverse education.

Why was Shelly Donahue "uninvited" to speak to the 8-12 grade small groups who could "opt out" of attending? She has such a valid contribution to make & one that is so positive - what went wrong??

Censorship is wrong. Loud, threatening voices resulted in the students of TCSD#1 losing an opportunity to hear a great speaker that potentially could change their lives for the better. I was deeply disappointed that two high school administrators sat outside.

So disappointed that Shelley Donahue was not given the chance to come and speak on this topic that is insanely important when you are raising children. Unbelievable that a few squeaky wheel liberals in this town could cause our school to cave in! Parents had the "opt out" option and she wasn't coming here to thump the Bible in our faces, she was coming to bring spot on information that every parent should find important regardless of religious affiliation.

I have already sent the school board and the paper my letter expressing my concern over bias education that discriminates against the value systems of half our student body. To not allow the other side of an issue to be presented robs our children of the ability to make informed descisions. And in the case discriminates against the majority of the student body.

Abstinence is a viable alternative for anyone regardless of religious beliefs and should not be excluded or discriminated against.

Very disappointed in the TCSD not allowing for a diverse viewpoint. This petition sums up some excellent points and I agree wholeheartedly.

On a personal level I'm saddened that any patent wouldn't choose abstenance for their child. From a legal standpoint they should not be allowed to descriminate and there should be consequences.

Beautifully stated.

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to write such a meaningful and intelligent letter! I appreciate that you accurately describe the Constitution's language and the courts' stance on the separation of church and state. Many people have used the phrase 'separation of church and state' to justify silencing any point of view that has any religious content, or lately even moral content. But as you've pointed out, the Founders' intent was to prevent the state from favoring one religion over others, including the religion of secularism. It's unfortunate that in a town like Jackson (a town that I feel has a high percentage of intelligent, educated and tolerant people) we still have people who seem ready and waiting to be offended by any opinion with which they disagree. Thank you again for your impressive petition!

I am in total agreement with Gloria! Thank you for your educated presentation!

Gloria, thank you for your articulate and fair comments.

Thank you Gloria

Wow, this is pure truth!! This is well-written Gloria! Thank-you! I will share this with everyone o know!

Gloria is right on with get opinion. Dr Crisp and the school board that rejected Shelley should be embarrassed at their most recent behaviour regarding this issue.

I only wish that the one parent that made such ignorant comments and single minded research was not given as much power as the school gave her. Disappointed and glad my children no longer have to attend this school district.