I guarantee you that if Laurie Markowski announced that State Assemblywoman Donna Simon was "... going to Memorial Sloan Kettering" or "... going to Fox Chase," the reaction would not have been laughter.
To the editor:
I was very disheartened by the article in the Hunterdon County Democrat concerning the behavior of some of the Flemington-Raritan School Board of Education members.
I guarantee you that if Laurie Markowski announced that State Assemblywoman Donna Simon was "... going to Memorial Sloan Kettering" or "... going to Fox Chase," the reaction would not have been laughter. It would have been an expression of concern and, or, sympathy.
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This not just a matter of "politically correct "speech. As long as these attitudes exist in our community, stigma concerning mental health will persist. As a result, people who have mental health issues will delay seeking treatment and be reluctant to avail themselves of community support.
I challenge the members of the school board to examine their reactions, commit to changing their thinking about mental health issues and lead our community in combating the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Elizabeth Hornberger
Lambertville