“Quintessentially American in spirit” is how Mohawk describes its recent rendition of Guys and Dolls. [“Theater program presents Guys and Dolls Jr.,” Recorder, May 3]. I couldn’t help but think that a district that is still so rooted and trapped in a 1950s view of race and disability would think of a play that features stereotyping and sexism as “American in spirit.”

Despite their self-described commitment to equity and inclusion, and of all the stories they could’ve picked, this is where they landed. My own child was subjected to bullying tipped and barbed with racism (including the repeated use of the N-word). As an institution that is supposed to be committed to education, it never ceases to amaze me that they spend more time looking back than moving forward.

This regressive, antiquated attitude also presented itself when dealing with the special education process. I hope for the sake of all the students in this district, and not just the students of color, that they can find it in themselves to start telling more nuanced and more accessible stories and change how they interact with students who might not be “quintessentially American in spirit.”

Nicole Parker

Hawley

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