Commending McDowell County School Board for Celebrating and Encouraging Diversity

Dear editor,

I would like to commend the McDowell County Board of Education for their considered, thoughtful review of the motion made at the December 2024 meeting to replace the moment of silence at the beginning of each meeting with an invocation.

I was concerned by the December motion, especially the clear consensus by the board which endorsed a single religion. I firmly defend the founding principles of our nation which protect our individual rights to practice – or to abstain from – any religion or system of belief.

At the January 13 meeting, it became clear that greater thought had been given this matter, some spurred by communications from the Freedom from Religion Foundation. While not yet settled, it seems those involved have taken a closer look at the constitutionality of what was proposed and further due diligence will be undertaken before proceeding.

Finally, I was heartened by the Chair’s thoughtful statements just prior to observing the moment of silence, where he called the children of McDowell County “our North Star,” and urged the board and all attending to remain focused on acting in their best interests. I could not agree more and believe this means maintaining an environment where diversity of all kinds is celebrated and encouraged.

Sincerely

Anna Caldwell