I was deeply disturbed by comments made by the president of the Brevard Federation of Teachers at the school board meeting Tuesday. Rather than addressing the board, Anthony Colucci used his three minutes to publicly grind an ax. He railed against Moms for Liberty, a movement among the community toward liberty and parental rights, whose representatives were present asking for clear metrics on COVID precautions. In his own words, he called it “bizarre, juvenile.” No responsible student of history should ever reference the cause of liberty in such a flippant manner.

How can a man in his position simultaneously dismiss the cause of liberty and advocate for the rights of teachers? It is oxymoronic. It is the cause of liberty itself, which grants unto citizens (teachers included) the ability to exercise their rights. Dismiss one and you dismiss both.

According to Colucci’s statement, community member’s questions and concerns should be ignored. He asked what lesson was being taught to our children. I would ask what lesson he is teaching by publicly stating that standing up for liberty is bizarre or by shouting “enough is enough” when it comes to parental concerns?

As a former PTO president and active classroom volunteer, I am familiar with the amazing work our teachers do. They deserve a better leader than one who will use his time in such a manner rather than advocating for them. Parents, as well, deserve a teacher’s union that recognizes them as stakeholders and whose leadership listens to their concerns. 

Marie Rogerson, Melbourne