To the Editor:

I retired as a deputy sheriff, working in a Domestic Violence Intervention Unit. Sadly, I know the reality for kids who exist in a way counter to their parents’ beliefs. I know the reality for children that come out to their parents as gay or transgender or pregnant only to find themselves ridiculed, abused, unhoused, or worse. I have no doubt whatsoever that if I had come out to my own father, I would not have lived to tell another soul.

That is the reason the ACAAA policy is so necessary. This is why I will continue to support the school board in refining this policy, and why I find it absolutely abhorrent that the Select Board has allowed the recall of its Paris members to go forward.

While this policy will most benefit transgender and gender expansive students, it is guidance Educators asked for, and I think the soul of this policy is about keeping kids safe, not arbitrarily keeping secrets from parents.

To those parents who signed the petition and to those standing in opposition to the school board, I encourage you to have empathy for the children who need to come out, but do not feel safe coming out to their parents.

If you don’t want this policy to exist, then let your child know in no uncertain terms they can tell you anything, and you will love and accept them for who they are, then realize every child isn’t as fortunate to know that kind of love. Sometimes, secrets are for safety’s sake.

Aubrey Bell

Norway