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To the Editor: 

Dec. 14, 2016:  We write as concerned citizens of Bronxville and parents of children who have attended or are currently attending The Bronxville School.

We are well aware that the recent election has provoked strong feelings on both sides of the political divide. But regardless of political affiliation, we are writing to urge our fellow Bronxville parents to use this opportunity to talk to their kids about the importance of openness and tolerance.

We are each aware of incidents in The Bronxville School, especially in the middle school, in which students have been taunted with ethnic, religious, or homophobic slurs at school and/or online. Such incidents are not unique to this election cycle or this town, but they are particularly troubling in the current political environment when many minorities or other historically disadvantaged groups are fearful of what the future may bring.  

We feel it is especially important in this context that we as parents take the time to raise awareness and give our children the tools they need to take a stand against bigotry of any kind.

We believe the time is ripe for increased dialogue about the issues facing our country and our society as a whole. These discussions should be taking place in our homes, at school, and in other community forums such as churches, mosques, and synagogues. 

Let us work together so that we can serve as an example of tolerance and inclusion for our children and the rest of the world. No child in Bronxville, or anywhere, should be made to feel unwelcome merely because he or she is different in the eyes of others.

Nina L. Evison
Darcy Kaye
Susan Finch Moore
Priscilla Newman
Sarah Normand
Lianne de Serres, MD
Ruth Walters

Editor's note:  MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements in letters to the editor, and the opinions do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff. Its objective in publishing letters to the editor is to give air to diverse thoughts and opinions of residents in the community.