On Nov. 13, the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) held a board meeting, providing a platform where community members had the opportunity to voice concerns or requests. One of the topics that was brought up during the public communication segment of the meeting focused on the controversy of Bonita Vista High’s (BVH) newspaper publication, the Crusader, publishing an editorial cartoon on a staff member’s viewpoint on the Israel-Palestine war.
One of the speeches was delivered by a BVH student and parent, voicing their concerns with the graphic. For reference, each speech had a three minute time limit, with a grace period of approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Before the speaker’s grace period could begin, a group of organized pro-Palestinian protestors outside, yelled at the duo for going “overtime,” with a Palestenian flag over their heads. This soon escalated into an attack against their speech that merely expressed their concerns about the cartoon.
As tension in the room escalated, everyone but the press were escorted outside of the meeting room. This was when more pro-Palestinian advocate groups were yelling out comments and negative remarks that criticized them, directly targeting the student and their family members. This was purely a target against the members of the Jewish community, as other speeches advocating for Palestine were only greeted by cheers and applause—including the Crusader’s statements.
Individuals who attended the meeting went too far with yelling derogatory comments at the high school student and their parent. Especially, with the Israel-Hamas war being an ongoing and complex issue, there are countless ways people approach the topic. This makes it crucial for individuals to understand that there will be various opinions when talking about this subject. More so, as much as anyone else who spoke in the district board meeting, every speech deserved respect, as issues brought up in the meeting are not one sided arguments.
Given the opportunity the student and their parent were given to voice their opinions, insights and personal experiences at the board meeting, it is absurd that a group of people were diminishing the student and parent in order to silence their voice. However, expressing a personal experience or concern is not a matter that should portray or define who a person is.
The Jewish population being the most affected by the editorial cartoon published, the members of the community should not have to face threats and experience fear while advocating for themselves. Although the most practical solution was for the police officers to safely escort the student and their family out of the meeting, this board meeting should not have led these speakers fear for their well being or further put them into harm.
Overall, the attack against free speech hinders against the exchange of ideas and thoughts, adding further tension—exacerbating the damage or harm. Rather, having an open platform where individuals can respect each other allows for a productive conversation, when addressing the issue.
