Teaching Tolerance

I was both disturbed and inspired by “Attempt to Teach Tolerance Backfires” (June 29). While I generally support an adherence to regulation in the school system, perhaps we should examine the very positive effect teacher Toni Wanic’s open discussion of AIDS and homosexuality had on her second-grade class. (Her gay son, Nick Ashton-Hart, spoke to her class.)

If we feel they are too young to comprehend such ideas, we’d better look more closely. Apparently second-graders can grasp complex notions of homophobia, AIDS phobia and bigotry of any kind, even when acceptance and tolerance come to them naturally. The second grade seems a perfect time to guide our children away from developing the bad habits of hatred and disgust. While detailed discussions of sexuality may be better reserved for a later time, an understanding and appreciation of life’s diversity can be instilled none too soon.

Wanic appears to be a teacher in the greatest sense, full of compassion, intelligence and the instincts to put her charges first. Perhaps school administrators and the PTA--indeed all of us--should more closely examine the extremely positive response the children had to this “supreme education moment” before condemning it out of hand.

Brava! I hope Wanic will teach my children.

DAVID TOUSTER

Los Angeles

* Wanic and her son should be given medals of honor rather than reprimands for what they did. Had she first asked permission, she would have inevitably been turned down, considering the narrow-minded attitude of the administration. In our society where homophobia, racism and hatred of minorities in general are rampant, sex education and teaching of tolerance are greatly needed.

NICOLAS E. ZUBERBUHLER

Los Angeles