Be inclusive
Re “Newport News School Board votes to defy state law requiring transgender student protections” (Aug. 18): We are disappointed the Newport News School Board voted against a transgender policy. Please consider that this is not the first time and it will not be the last that the School Board is confronted with establishing policy related to inclusion, based on students’ identity, appearance, ability, belief and/or social status. The purpose of this policy is to encourage kindness, acceptance and respect for all students. Lack of a policy leaves the door open to exclusion, disrespect, isolation and bullying.
Our sex is determined by genetic coding that contributes to the development of our sexual anatomy and identity, from within our own human genome, as well as our microbiome. There is a balance in our bodies, which includes a combination of male and female attributes, which contribute to our sexual anatomy and identification. Some people do not align with what many consider our societal norms. We humans are complicated. But we are also children of God, made in God’s image. We should not judge but rather should support and protect our young people just as they are.
Sexual depravity has absolutely nothing to do with sexual identification, just as sexual depravity has nothing to do with appearance, ability, belief and/or social status.
Our School Board missed an opportunity to ensure a safe, inclusive, respectful and non-violent learning environment. We hope they correct this mistake and do not let another opportunity go by to support and protect every child.
Guy and Robin Levy, Newport News
Boat safety
Re “Deaths and mishaps follow boom in boating interest” (Aug. 12): The article is of great interest to us, America’s Boating Club-Colonial Virginia. We are out on the water in the Chesapeake Bay, York River, Elizabeth River and Hampton River frequently and see some “strange and wonderful things” happening. There are many new boaters in our area, from paddle boarders, kayakers and canoeists to large sail- and power-boats. Many of them know nothing of the rules of the road. It probably will not be long before we read about local injuries and deaths caused by boat collisions, capsizing, groundings and other mishaps.
The chances of these disastrous events happening can be greatly reduced by educating the new boater on boat safety and rules of the road. Even “old” boaters could use a refresher course. National statistics indicate most boaters involved in accidents have had no boating education. To remedy this, a local organization is teaching safe boating classes. These classes are free and taught by experienced boaters. America’s Boating Club-Colonial Virginia, aka Colonial Sail & Power Squadron, will be offering a six-hour class (three hours per night) from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 13 and 15 at the Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News. You can register for this class at register-ed.com/programs/73. The course is from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and is nationally recognized.
Frank Hudson, Yorktown
Tax corporations
If this pandemic has shown us nothing else, it has shown us the importance of investing in communities. President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan is a step toward doing just that. The plan includes significant and much needed funding toward infrastructure, education, health care and more. It has the promise to break down inequities and promote the social welfare of marginalized communities. So far, our elected officials have been great with advocating for policies and funding that will bring social equity to Virginia. But the recent commentary from Sen. Mark Warner about negotiation for a smaller budget — and less help for our communities — have raised concerns for many.
Biden’s plan proposes a Made in America Tax Plan that will provide trillions in revenue from the rich and corporations. This proposal is necessary and has already garnered a remarkable level of support. A recent poll, released by The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, Virginia Organizing, and Americans for Tax Fairness, shows that Virginians overwhelmingly support using taxes on corporations and the wealthy as a funding source for critical needs in Virginia. A letter of support for Biden’s plan was signed by 37 different organizations in Virginia, including Virginia Organizing. If you feel the same as we do, contact Warner and tell him to support the Build Back Better plan in full and visit virginiaorganizing.org to learn more about tax fairness in Virginia.
Warner said his role is to find funding sources. His constituents just told him where to find it.
Briana Jones, Virginia Organizing member, Newport News
Another time
In 1961 my cousin, her husband, and two young sons moved from New York to Kabul, where her husband, a professor at Columbia Teachers College, had accepted a two-year term as leader of a Columbia University teachers’ group. She told me that she had rarely seen a place more beautiful. Blossoms cascaded down the outer walls of houses, and the streets were fragrant and colorful. The marketplaces were vibrant. They were so enchanted that they extended their term to six years, and brought her mother, an elementary school teacher from North Carolina, to live with them.
Prior to my cousin’s death a short while ago, she said how she grieved when she saw news reports showing current-day Afghanistan. Now, when I see the news, I think of what once was, what could have been, and how unaware people are of the Afghanistan of the not-so-distant past.
Louis Wilson, Norfolk
