Editor:
I am writing in response to the complaint that Ms.C. Hague wrote to the School Board, in regard to the drama production, Legally Blonde. First of all, I applaud Ms. Hague in that she had the incredible courage to express her concerns, especially due to the fact that not only is she a parent, she is also a teacher with the Prince Rupert School District.
Lynn Hauptman, Prince Rupert School District superintendent, strongly defended the showing of this play by saying that there were warnings on posters about crude and suggestive language and content. I would like to ask her, "does it not seem odd that you would not have any qualms about having to post such warnings on these posters?!" This is a high school production and I support Ms. Hague's concerns that younger children come to watch their siblings in a publicly-funded, high school-endorsed play with crude and sexually-suggestive language. Did Ms. Hauptman give any thought to Ms. Hague's suggestion about changing curse words to something less offensive when she relayed Ms. Hague's complaint to the drama department, but supported a decision to not act on the complaint?
I would also like to comment on the fact that the school board decided not to put any limitations on future productions, stating that art can be controversial at times. What? "Would not put any limitations on future productions?" This is a very broad statement to make, as it gives their vote of approval on doing a drama on any x-rated type of production that seems to be in the category of "controversial art."
Would pornography be acceptable? I have deep concerns as a parent and also as a tax-paying citizen that the kind of art that is portrayed in "Legally Blonde" is fully endorsed and defended in a high school setting. I know there are many parents out there who also share the same sentiments.
I recognize the drama teacher has put on great musicals with uplifting themes in the past, and am certain that more uplifting and inspiring musicals could be found in the future.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Wanda Gaetz