Op-Ed: Instead of Recognizing Only Charlie Kirk in Schools, Educators Should Uplift All Victims of Violence

It was recently reported that the Saucon Valley School District is considering a “Charlie Kirk Recognition Day” to educate students about the harm and destructions that occur with political violence.

I am against such a day. I would rather enlarge the day to a week, educating our students about violence in our society. We have violence occurring in places of worship. We have violence in public and private schools. We have road rage and yes, political violence inflicted by those on the left and the right. Also included should be the deadliest violence, domestic violence.

Do we need to lift up Charlie Kirk? Or President Trump? What about Matthew Shepherd, Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Gabby Giffords or the speaker of the house of Minnesota, who together with her husband was killed? These are just a few of the tragedies that are all too common in our society today.

We don’t need a name to associate with this violence reduction education week. Speakers could include negotiators, stress reduction teachers, anger management therapists, Hellertown and Lower Saucon police officers educated in domestic disputes and other specialists that can help our youth learn at an early age how to channel their anger and hatred in healthier and more productive ways.

If I was part of the Saucon Valley School District, I would make sure that this special week happens yearly and occurs not only for the students, but also includes evening classes for adults.

Let’s not lose another life without taking steps to help reduce violence in our community.

Pastor Phil Spohn
Christ Lutheran Hellertown

Letters and op-eds about local topics are published at the discretion of the editor. All opinions shared on our community platform are solely those of the author.