Appalled. Outraged. Dismayed.

These are some of the words people have used to describe their reaction to the Platte County School Board's decision to take down the No Place For Hate banners because the banners contained the name of the Gay and Lesbian Fund of Colorado.

First off, I acknowledge that there are people who agree with the School Board's decision. After all, this was brought before the School Board for discussion only after complaints from parents were received.

When I heard that the School Board voted in favor of taking down these banners because of the Gay and Lesbian Fund of Colorado, I was shocked.

How ironic, I thought. Banners that promote the school being a place for no hate are pulled down because of a gay and lesbian logo.

What does this say to our students?

No matter what the reason the School Board gives for its decision to pull down the banners, there are people hearing about this fiasco and thinking, "So this is a no place for hate...as long as you aren't gay."

I get tired of hearing that this is Wyoming and we're conservative.

I think many are confusing being conservative with being just plain close-minded.

Like their website states, the Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) No Place For Hate program "empowers school communities to promote respect for individual and group differences while challenging prejudice and bigotry." Someone please tell me what their issue is with this?

Some will argue that it isn't the program that they have a problem with. They like the program. It's that logo on the banner.

Let me pose a question to those people. How is that logo affecting you or your child in a negative or harmful way? Do you honestly think that some kind of an agenda was being pushed through the No Place For Hate program?

If you don't think it's right that someone is gay or lesbian, that is your opinion. But in no way should you ever condone students being the victims of bigotry because they are gay or lesbian.

Because the School Board made the ultimate decision to pull the banners, the ADL has withdrawn the program in the District.

"It saddens us greatly that your decision will send a message to these students that adults in Platte County openly endorse bigotry against the gay and lesbian members of your community," the ADL stated in a press release.

I would like to see what members of the School Board would say in response to this statement.

For those who say: "It was just a banner," I say this. I hardly believe anyone was ignorant enough to think that simply hanging a banner would be a cure-all for bullying. What the taking down of the banners did was send out a message - one that I believe makes our community look close-minded.

Sadly enough, bullying will always be an issue that schools will face. It doesn't, however, make it right or "just a part of life."

We must be proactive in dealing with all types of bigotry towards individual and group differences and I applaud the Platte County Education Association for raising concern with the School Board's decision.

Students, don't think we've forgotten about you. You are what is most important in this sensitive situation. I encourage those of you who feel strongly about this decision to make your voices heard. Again. And again.