Public education is a place of diversity. Teachers and staff are trained to guide critical thinking in safe learning environments for all. As a school social worker and parent of students in public school I write to oppose SB 656. Censorship based on individual and personal opinion has no place in our public schools. Our children deserve to be educated across all areas with guidance in critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to gain their own opinions...based on history and fact. Removing topics from education doesn't make them disappear...it just further fosters ignorance. Educate our children in the public schools and allow them to make their own decisions based on family guidance. Healthy discussion and disagreement are critical life skills and ones we should not deprive our children of.