Speak up: Gilbert readers sound off on podcast, Higley vouchers

Gilbert council members release first episode of political comedy podcast

Confirms my suspicions about their motivation for public “service”. Sounds more like ego than anything else. — Kathy C.

If there were any question why the two of you were voted out, this should answer it. Look at it this way, you could always buy a food truck and sell garbage plates out of it in the free time you'll have come January. Seems fitting. — Dan C.

I started listening with an open mind unfortunately after about 10 minutes in I couldn’t stand it. This was not funny or sarcastic. Just so much sour grapes. Confirms my votes for the winners. — Robert B.

Higley board member accuses district of skirting state law with conference travel

This lady has caused so much unwarranted chaos, do not vote for her. — Daniel G.

Thank you, Anna, for your hard work and passion for our Higley students. Your efforts are much appreciated. — Kim R.

Just curious, why would Arizona not want DEI taught? We have so much diversity in our country. right? I'm just curious to get an honest answer. Not all parents talk to their kids, and those same kids will grow up and be out on their own; they will surely have a better start knowing what DEI means for our fellow friends, neighbors, co-workers and family. — Sherey W.

If children were raised as we were in the '60s and '70s, in a faith-based home where manners, right from wrong, and respect were taught, they might be less confused and troubled. I believe that teaching values at home is very important, and I have some concerns about the government introducing DEI starting in kindergarten. — Susan G.

The term DEI generally refers to someone hired as part of an organization’s efforts to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. This entails recruiting candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. — Jan L.

Higley board removes Trevor Noah's 'Born a Crime' from expense voucher

Oh please, 11th grade with parental permission?

"The Odyssey" has rape, attempted rape, murder, and wartime deaths. I read this in class in sixth grade.

I read "The Things We Carried" about a bunch of Vietnam soldiers dying miserable in a jungle scared and away from home in ninth grade.

"1984" has sex, and gratuitous violence. "Of Mice and Men" has a woman trying to take sexual advantage of a mentally disabled man, and mob violence. These are eighth grade books.

"Lolita" is still taught in plenty of AP English and is entirely about a man taking advantage of and grooming his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" has someone trying to stab the kid. It’s about the Jim Crow South. We read this in sixth grade.

But somehow a real story about someone’s real life under apartheid is too intense? Needs parental permission? How utterly insane. Kids are dumber today because no one had any respect for their intelligence and ability to independently form thoughts and feelings about the content. Utter travesty. — Nathaniel W.