Rob Horowitz: Civility Needed in Cranston
Rob Horowitz, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
Rob Horowitz: Civility Needed in Cranston
The disgraceful treatment of Jessica Ahlquist, the 16-year-old Cranston High School West student who has courageously stood up for her belief in separation of church and state, must be addressed head-on by Cranston public officials who have an opportunity to teach important lessons about the need for civility and respect even when we disagree with another person's views or actions.
The threats and cyberbullying to which Jessica has been subjected by some of her fellow students is bad enough, but the actions of adults who are supposed to serve as role models is far worse. Boiling over on a local radio talkshow, a State Representative from Cranston called her “an evil little thing”, while other so-called grownups spewed outright hatred on social networks.
What triggered this recent venomous outpouring was last week's ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Ronald R. Lagueux, who -- based on decades of precedent -- ordered Cranston West to remove a prayer banner that hung prominently in the school. Ahlquist served as a plaintiff in the case that was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Whether prayer should be allowed in public schools continues to spur a robust public debate. The strong, negative reaction to the initial US Supreme Court decision prohibiting prayer in public schools in the '60s was instrumental in bringing about the rise of social conservatism as a lasting force in our nation's politics. Putting that aside, however, it is absolutely essential for adults --especially our public officials-- to set an example for how to argue about controversial issues without demonizing opponents.
A young person such as Jessica Ahlquist should be praised for standing up for her beliefs and becoming actively involved—not subjected to name calling and threats. Cranston officials, including members of the School Board, Mayor Fung and others, must correct this situation. It is simply not enough to just condemn these actions. Perhaps a school assembly or a day-long teach-in is called for at Cranston West in which this issue is put in the broader context of American history and the importance of adhering to democratic norms, as well as old-fashioned good behavior, is emphasized.
Rob Horowitz is a strategic and communications consultant who provides general consulting, public relations, direct mail services and polling for national and state issue organizations, various non-profits and elected officials and candidates. He is an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island.
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