Teacher Defends EV Actions On First Priority

Thu., Jan. 27, 2000

Lissa Humphreys

I am very disappointed in Sandy Brewer’s inaccurate and provincial presentation of facts regarding the East Valley School Board’s recent ruling on formal, in-school meetings of the Christian group First Priority (Guest column, Jan. 20 Valley Voice).

It is interesting that while she criticizes sending negative messages, her comments perpetuate such negativity.

As a teacher at East Valley High School, I have been closely following the First Priority issues discussed at our school board meetings. Until now, I have remained silent, wishing not to offend my colleagues or students.

However, I cannot ignore the comments from Ms. Brewer.

First, I am constantly amazed at the hypocrisy of certain individuals who call themselves Christians and profess to be loving, forgiving and accepting yet have no difficulty bombasting anyone who has the temerity to be different.

Second, Ms. Brewer is incorrect in saying that there is no positive peer pressure at East Valley schools outside of First Priority. I am extremely proud of our students as I see positive peer interactions on a daily basis and (amazingly!) they do not all belong to First Priority.

Third, I applaud our school board for upholding the separation of church and state and for not opening our school to anyone for organized meetings during school hours.

No one has suggested that First Priority not meet and have positive peer influence as long as it is not a formally organized meeting during school hours.

Lest I be labeled a person against First Priority by certain individuals who deem themselves to be “all loving, forgiving and accepting,” let me assure you I am not.

I fully support our constitution, which guarantees our right to meet and practice our beliefs, whatever they may be.

I also fully support public education and the right to come to school in an environment free from private interests and agendas.

I am proud to be an employee of a school district that does not allow a minority to set the standard for the rest.

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