While reading Jesse Pellow’s letter last week regarding the controversy at Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School, I found it interesting that he was able to include all the

cliche terms (banned books, freedom of expression, Nazism, even a subtle attack on Christianity) while missing the issue at hand entirely.

I’d like to illustrate some points that Pellow — whether intentionally or not — glossed over:

The banned book in question is entitled “Gender Queer,” it is being called pornographic because it includes sexually charged topics and images (including two individuals engaged in a sexual act).

The teacher in question has every right to read this book in her own time.

But leaving the book lie on her desk throughout the day can be seen as a strategy to generate interest in it without having actually taught it or being a part of the curriculum.

Who is the target audience this teacher wishes to generate interest in gender ideology?

Seventh graders — adolescents entering into peak biological and hormonal change, as well as broadening intellectual curiosity and openness to sociocultural influence.

I hope you’re starting to see why this is more than a teacher reading a banned book.

I won’t go into the specifics or history of gender ideology as this is a simple response letter, but I encourage anyone who isn’t aware to take some time and look into it.

It shouldn’t take long before you realize this is not education, but indoctrination.

Let’s keep the cultural insanity away from the children, please.

Timmy Truelove

Roaring Spring