Ban on School AIDS Talks Misguided

In response to the article in Times’ Oct. 29 Ventura section, “AIDS Talks on Campuses Discouraged, Teachers Say,” by Lisa Fernandez, I would like to make these comments.

First of all, ignorance differs from innocence on any given subject. To keep young people ignorant of all the facts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which I might add is worldwide, is not in the best interests of their survival in this world. There is nothing like the real thing to bring complete awareness of the issue.

With reference to the comments made by board President Mildred Lynch regarding the remarks of the speakers a few years back, one only has to compare them to some of the subject matter on the network sitcoms to realize they are mild in comparison.

In view of this, why shield [young people] from the realities of life? I sat in on a Positively Speaking program recently at Oxnard College and was very moved by the personal stories of the speakers. It was done very professionally, to the point and with great discretion, and I was not the only one with tears of compassion in my eyes.

I feel that all people should be exposed to the reality of this pandemic. For the sake of the children, please don’t adopt the attitude that “It can’t happen here--not to my child!” It happens everywhere all the time.

Please, let’s not wear blinders when confronting the issue of AIDS education, especially for the young. Give them a chance at the future. The youth are far more accepting, understanding and mature than we give them credit for. This education could well save their lives.

CORAL NORTON

Oxnard