In recent months, I’ve grown deeply concerned — not just about what’s happening in our schools, but the troubling behavior spreading across our community.
We’ve watched Delaware Valley School District board members dismiss community voices, criticize each other publicly, and allow harmful rhetoric to go unchecked.
But they’re not alone.
The tone of our whole community is shifting. Lines are being crossed— online, in meetings and in how we talk about and to each other.
This behavior sends a dangerous message. We’re teaching our kids —and each other — that if someone’s needs are inconvenient, it’s acceptable to shout them down or distort the truth to get your way.
Right now, transgender students are at the center of this storm. But next time, it could be any child or group whose needs don’t align with the loudest voices.
What happens then? When the anger turns on you — or someone you love?
We’re setting the standard for what’s acceptable in our community —and we’ll be held to it tomorrow.
We don’t have to agree on everything, but our kids deserve to see us face hard conversations with integrity, not cruelty.
Let’s raise the bar — for them, and for each other.
Alyssa Teribury
Matamoras, Pa.