A 17-year-old was assaulted earlier this month, and her life will never be the same. A Mt. Lebanon school director was charged in the assault, which for me questions the credibility of our school district leaders (“Police: Mt. Lebanon school board member charged in Florida assault of teen,” July 7, TribLIVE).

The background of this individual was known by the board at the beginning of the term. Unfortunately, the board chose to remain silent and protect a board seat rather than put the interests and safety of the district children above party politics.

There were multiple times any one of the other eight board members could have publicly expressed their opposition to the placement of this individual on our school board, but each time they remained silent. In fact, they promoted him to chair the district’s important diversity, equity and inclusion committee. Explain to me how the known background of this individual would foster the appearance of an inclusive environment to those children in our district who themselves have been victims of assault?

Board leaders are attempting to seek cover and say there was nothing they could have done — he was elected by the community. While true he was an elected official, they know full well they could have publicly applied pressure, but they chose silence.

Leadership is not easy. Do what you know is right or choose to be weak and feckless. Unfortunately, our leaders chose the latter. Each one of them should ask themselves whether they have the fitness and judgement to continue to serve.

Peter Darcy

Mt. Lebanon

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