Editor:
I’m writing in response to “Board member censured for racist comments” (Reading Eagle, Nov. 16).
I never said anything negative about special education other than that the state needs to stop putting the cost burden on local taxpayers.
It concerns me to say the least when a parent dresses a 2-year-old boy as a girl and paints their nails. I have seen the hurt to such children. Toddlers understand the boy-girl concept but don’t have the ability to even think about their future identity. This morphed into the idea that I was singling out transgender students. I was addressing a parenting concern.
As for accusations of racism, I have spent many years helping people, approving hundreds of low-income apartments in inner cities, making sure apartments are safe and clean and meeting with residents. Many were of color and were exceptional, kind and hardworking.
I managed at a factory in a tough section of Philadelphia. The majority of workers were of color. I took my 16-year-old son to work there under the guidance of an exceptional Black man. I knew it would be a great experience for him; he developed a great relationship and loved the experience.
Today anyone who doesn’t fit into a perfect box is called a racist. While there are racist people out there, I suggest that some of those at the meeting need to look into a mirror.
Those who know me well know that I’m not a racist, and I hope others realize that as well.
Mike Martin
Wilson School Board
Source: Berkshire mont
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