Wheaton punts, Glen Ellyn scores in DuPage Diversity Challenge

My neighboring town of Wheaton sure lived up to its reputation for rather extreme cultural conservatism by cancelling author Robin Stevenson’s scheduled talk to 175 third to fifth graders at Longfellow School there on her book ‘Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change". Stevenson’s talk was scheduled in conjunction with educators’ directive to implement a new state law requiring schools to highlight roles and contributions of LGBTQ people in American history and culture. Her book contained numerous historical figures including several from the LGBTQ spectrum. At least one parent complained to school officials, concerned their eight to ten year olds may be exposed to the life style that ‘dare not speak its name’. School officials huddled…then punted on first down, not even letting Stevenson in the building.

Across the border in my more progressive town of Glen Ellyn, Illinois District 48 representative and Glen Ellyn resident Terra Costa Howard surveyed the field and decided Glen Ellyn would be a fine venue to enlighten its citizens of this marvelous educator who has addressed numerous schools on her book tour without incident. Howard arranged for Stevenson to speak at Glenbard West High School Wednesday night without a hint of interference. Wheaton School District 200 administrators who gave Stevenson a game misconduct for simply living up to the highest ideals of education should be in attendance. They might get some inkling how the game of real life is played.