Sigh

by David Safier

The TUSD dominoes just keep falling in its battle against Mexican American Studies.

In a stunning rejection of celebrated author Ana Castillo's offer to read and speak with Tucson high school students next week, Tucson Unified School District administrators added a new chapter to the nation's most troubling censorship crackdown and dismissed any overtures for healing in the torn community.

A widely sought speaker on the national lecture circuit, the renowned poet and novelist, whose beloved stories are read throughout schools in Tucson and Arizona, had offered to waive her honorarium and travel to Tucson on her own dime, as part of a special effort to bring "healing to all sides." [boldface added]

In a choice of whose interests to serve, TUSD has chosen Huppenthal, et al, over its students. Again.

IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND A READING: "On Friday May 4, students will get to meet with Dr. Castillo privately receive books paid for by local sponsors. This will be followed by a free public reading and Q & A at 6:30pm with Ana Castillo at the John Valenzuela Youth Center 1550 South 6th Avenue, South Tucson."