Letters to the Editor

I side with Mr. Hershberger. This was a very poor decision on the part of the Spring Cove School District Superintendent and the Middle School Principal to not let the Middle School Choir perform the song, ”Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Mr. Hershberger had a much better approach. This type of decision is why the public school system in our country and now in the cove is in such a mess. It was said this was all done in the spirit of inclusion and to avoid controversy and conflict. What a Crock! No Controversy? How did that work out!! We no longer rule by the majority, but rule by the few, which serves no one when it comes to learning.

I guess free speech is dying the cove. I am glad I no longer have students in the Spring Cove School District. This is the reason that we need more Charter and Christian Schools. The administrators of public schools have become too afraid to make decisions anymore that may have controversy even though they are better for the community.

If you continue to bend the rules for a few our school district will no longer serve the community of the whole. Every time you cater to the few, the whole student body loses. People have to realize that there are winners and losers. In this case the only winners were a few and the losers were the majority who wanted to sing the song and those who wanted to hear it performed.

I am sure that the Middle School Students were not trying to make a statement. It would have gone unnoticed except for a couple of parents with an agenda. I whole heartedly agree with the other parents that said that they do not understand why it was made into such a big deal.

A better choice would have been to tell those that were uncomfortable with the song, that they were welcome to sit out if they wished and let those that wanted to perform the song to sing it. If a few parents wanted to pull their child from the concert that is ok too. They have the right to make their decision.

Darrell Smith

Martinsburg