School district needs to share copies of curriculum

I think the controversy over the Tamalpais Union High School District ethnic studies curriculum (“Tam Union parents push back on ethnic studies access,” March 27) is a direct result of obstructionist actions.

The controversy is not even about the curriculum itself — it’s because the district is making it difficult for parents to view it. The district (which is supported by taxpayer dollars) is requiring parents (who fund the district) to make an appointment and show up in person just to review the curriculum.

According to the IJ article, “District officials said they are acting on advice from legal counsel. Tara Taupier, district superintendent, declined to be specific, but did refer to copyright law.”

Taupier’s vague claims that “copyright” issues preclude broader access are unverifiable because she refuses to explain further. This in-person requirement without rationale intentionally creates a burden on interested parents and limits access.

This disdain for the interests of parents who would like to review the curriculum is unacceptable. I think Taupier should either make the curriculum available to review (either online or via email) or delegate the issue to someone who will.

Why the district is obstructing review of the curriculum is unclear to me. Perhaps leadership is afraid of parent feedback it will be incapable of addressing. Perhaps the curriculum is a biased mess and it wants to hide it from parents. Perhaps the curriculum is amazing.

Whatever the case may be, making it difficult for parents to view flies in the face of transparency (in opposition to the spirit of how schools should communicate openly with parents) and models to kids and others exactly how not to handle a potentially controversial issue.

The district should make the curriculum available to all now or give us a solid legal reason why parents need to show up in person to review it.

— David Patchen, Greenbrae

Recall push in Fairfax is costly waste of time

I do not often agree with Marin IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood, but a recent commentary (“Fairfax recall effort is too costly, too much trouble,” March 16) hit the nail on the head.

Fairfax does not have an extra pile of cash sitting around to spend in a special election just for recalling elected officials. Furthermore, Town Council members Lisel Blash and Stephanie Hellman have not shown any dereliction of duty. They perform challenging jobs appropriately and admirably, often in the midst of rude, inappropriate behavior from townspeople. Residents of Fairfax may or may not agree with how they govern, but they were elected fairly.

Spotswood described our most recent election as bitter. How much more bitter is an expensive campaign to recall properly elected, diligent council members? I urge readers to not sign any petitions supporting a recall election. If it comes to a vote, I urge people to vote no.

— Patti Breitman, Fairfax

Ranch-worker group’s perspective enlightening

I would like to commend Rosa Rodriguez for her well-written Marin Voice commentary on behalf of ranch workers living in the Point Reyes National Seashore (“Point Reyes ranch workers, tenants still being shut out of decisions about park’s future,” April 3).

I found it to be articulate with thoughtful points. I am hoping that many will read it as “food for thought” regardless of where one stands on this matter. This has been presented in an elegant way that should not be dismissed. Where are the compassion and kindness of the hearts and minds?

It is not a matter of who wins or loses. We all will lose if we cannot work together with factions trying to divide and conquer with fear. If there is harm to one, than it is harm to all.

— Jade Leong, Mill Valley

Richmond Bridge path should be fully removed

All studies have shown that relatively few cyclists use the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge for commuting. It has turned out to be a nightmare for the motorists who sit in traffic jams due to the loss of a “breakdown” lane westbound.

Now the “powers that be” have made the ridiculous proposal to move the barrier during commute hours five days a week. How many millions of dollars will this cost? Four years of traffic jams have shown that this foolish project is a failure. The barrier should be removed.

— Bob Johnson, Greenbrae