A concerned neighbor recently contacted me regarding an offensive campaign sign placed in front of our neighborhood entrance. As the HOA president, I was asked to take down the sign. After weighing the pros and cons, I determined the inappropriate library campaign sign should be removed. My reasoning is that our neighborhood has over 30 children who should not be subjected to undue language. It does not model civil behavior regardless of one’s viewpoint. Moreover, permission to place the sign on private property was not granted.

Robert Fulghum suggests a function of schools is to teach students how to live in a civil society. It begins early: Share, don’t hit, say you’re sorry if you hurt somebody, hold hands, and stick together are some of the truisms of community and culture. How we interact with others also impacts our well-being. Schools across the nation, including San Juan Island Schools, have adopted Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculums for students to learn to: manage one’s emotions, interact effectively with others, constructively resolve personal conflicts, and engage in respectful and healthy relationships.

As a community, we are responsible for demonstrating proper civilized behavior to our children and youth. Expressing diverse opinions is guaranteed in our democratic society, yet a civil society requires respectful discourse. We can disagree without being disagreeable, though it can present challenges including regulating our emotions. Nobody is perfect. We are all works in progress. The lessons in kindergarten are simplified for younger minds, yet hold true for complex issues. How we interact with others is who we are. The young people are watching. Our local campaigns can do better.

By Paul Robb Ed.D.,

San Juan Island