In December, a letter to the editor was published that questioned some of the actions of Dr. Carol Cavanaugh, superintendent of schools. As a former administrator at Elmwood School, a parent in town and now principal in a nearby town, I feel compelled to respond, as there were several parts I found both confusing and factually false. While the letter takes issue with a number of things in Hopkinton schools, I believe the real spirit of that letter is to deny the equity and inclusion of our LGBTQ+ students.

First, the author states that the administration goes far beyond state guidelines in terms of providing an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ students. I encourage the author to review state guidelines, especially Massachusetts Executive Order 526, as well as the Massachusetts Student Rights Law (MGL Ch. 76, Sec. 5). These documents provide guidance on the inclusion of all students, making statements such as, “Implementing an inclusive curriculum helps to ensure that all students feel represented and supported. These resources will help students value the contributions of LGBTQ+ people and understand their place in history, literature and other fields.” It is crucial that we continue to incorporate LGBTQ+ students into our discussions and curriculum, recognizing that this is not only a legal obligation but also a moral and ethical one.

Second, the author asserts that many more gay pride flags fly in our Hopkinton schools than state or national flags. This statement isn’t true, but addressing that inaccuracy doesn’t get at what’s most important. The pride flag is a signal to ALL kids that they will be accepted in that school and community. It tells students they are welcome. Representation matters.

The author then makes an unsubstantiated correlation between anxiety and depression and the actions and policies of the current school administration’s support of LGBTQ+ students. I encourage the author to read Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation,” which outlines research on why these rates have skyrocketed since 2009, pointing most directly at the use of smartphones and social media, not inclusive school practices for LGTBQ+ students.

Ultimately, I think about what I want my own two children to be taught here in Hopkinton. I am hopeful that whoever the School Committee chooses to be our new superintendent will continue the vital work initiated by our current administration, ensuring that inclusivity remains a priority in our schools.

— Aidan McCann, Hopkinton

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