One can never be silent when it comes to human rights. As Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “Silence is betrayal.” The National Day of Silence raises awareness of anti-LGBT name calling, bullying and harassment in schools. As a parent of a MSHS student (and a Christian), I welcome and fully support the event.

Of course, any controversial subject creates tension. As educators will tell you, that is not a bad thing. In fact, positively addressing that tension is integral to the learning process. We do not learn unless we are challenged in some way. Of course, we ultimately make up our own minds. School is about more that just learning to read, write and add 2+2.

The April 15 Snoqualmie Valley Record quoted Reverend Hutcherson (again). This time he called the Day of Silence a “protest.” Is it? Having read everything on the National Day of Silence Web site, I find no evidence that it is a “protest.” I understand the Mount Si event as an opportunity for students to speak out in a creative manner — through their silence — to bring attention to a very real and serious problem.

As for Rev. Hutcherson’s point that he “wants our kids educated, not indoctrinated,” I don’t see how this is a form of indoctrination. Aren’t our schools places where our young people go to learn to be independent thinkers? I don’t see our teachers, administrators or school board indoctrinating my child. The Day of Silence raises an important issue, and provides an opportunity for young people to think about it and, if they wish, engage in dialogue.

All this “protest” by Rev. Hutcherson and his followers — I’m guessing the ad in the SVR is related to his church; note the e-mail address “@abchurch.org” in the “Paid for by” section — are creating a great deal more disruption than the Day of Silence ever has. Why can’t we adults act like adults and let these young people work this out — and learn — on their own?

Just who is doing the indoctrination here? Reverend Hutcherson — Me thinks thou doth protest too loudly!

Leonard Eiger

North Bend