Letters to the Editor | Sept. 2, 2024

As a new school year begins, it’s vital to recognize the signs of bullying and its harmful effects on children. Recent events show that this behavior often starts with adults. When adults mock or ridicule, they set a negative example for children. The backlash against 17-year-old Gus Walz for emotionally supporting his father is a case in point. Mocking a young person is deeply disrespectful and perpetuates the stigmatization of neurodiverse people. Regardless of one’s background or diagnosis, bullying someone for expressing emotions is unacceptable.

My organization, the Next Step Programs in Doylestown, works to combat stigma and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. We have seen firsthand the positive impact of fostering environments where all abilities are celebrated. This political season, let’s focus on kindness, respect, and understanding. Let’s teach our children to value diversity, and use their voices for positive change.

Schools must play a crucial role by implementing anti-bullying programs and ensuring every student feels safe and respected. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration’s recent investment in education, special education, and adult services is a step in the right direction, but real change begins with us — parents, educators, and community members. By challenging bullying behaviors and attitudes, we pave the way for a society that values everyone. As we step into this new school year, let’s commit to building a compassionate community that sees the worth in every person.

Josh Fields, cofounder and executive director, The Next Step Programs, Doylestown

The Inquirer Editorial Board was right to highlight the inhumane conditions at Philadelphia’s jails and call on the administration to end the suffering of the more than 4,600 people who are locked up there today — 90% of whom are simply awaiting their day in court. But it missed the mark in discussing the solution to this crisis. The only tenable response to the horrific jail conditions is to bring people home. Most incarcerated people could live safely in their communities while awaiting their court hearing. Many of them are locked up simply because they violated the terms of their probation or parole.

My terminally ill cousin spent nearly a month in jail for failing to meet with his parole officer, as he was struggling to find housing and manage his health. This is not just a waste of resources, it also causes enormous harm to people who are already struggling. The judges of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and the Adult Probation and Parole Department must come together to identify pathways to bring people home immediately. Our city cannot continue to wait on a plan to add staffing that has failed to solve this crisis for three years while people are suffering and dying in jail now.

Julie Zaebst, senior policy and advocacy strategist, ACLU of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

The 76ers claim their proposed arena will generate many well-paying construction jobs, and once built, concessionaire, restaurant, and entertainment jobs. However, traffic is never mentioned. As someone who for years has held season theater tickets to the Arden on Second Street and the Lantern, near 10th and Market Streets, I have much experience navigating the slow-moving traffic on Market East’s narrow late-17th century streets. I cannot imagine how much more congested those streets will become when fans exit from I-676 and I-95. I wonder if these two theaters would survive, let alone the dozens of small businesses in Chinatown and Old City. Comcast Spectacor has proposed spending over $2 billion to renovate the South Philadelphia sports complex. The city should exert its leverage to get Comcast Spectacor and the 76ers back to the negotiating table. The sports complex already has ample parking, wide streets, SEPTA and highway access, and multiple restaurant and ancillary entertainment venues.

Paul L. Newman, Merion Station

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