Okay, here's the latest version. I'm not thrilled with the next-to-last paragraph that begins "If it is the library's policy". It seems kind of wimpy. I'm also wondering if I should add something about giving teachers guidelines as to what constitutes political discussion (since Wilma doesn't seem to understand this). I'm tempted to add something about teachers responding to students with rudeness and belligerence, but that might cloud the issue.
Incidentally, I'm signing my name, and the library can easily identify the teacher if they wish to do so.
Re: class policy
I’ve been taking a crafts class offered by the library. I’ve enjoyed the class, and the teacher is excellent. However, at the most recent class, the teacher began discussing political issues during the class session. She mentioned a political candidate by name in a disparaging tone and was very obviously about to state a negative opinion of a controversial political topic involving this candidate. I quickly interrupted and requested that political issues not be discussed in class. This seemed to anger the teacher, and she said in a loud hostile voice, “It’s not political. It’s the truth, and people need to know it!” I replied that it was political and was inappropriate for class. She repeated her previous statement, more angrily. I left the class and do not plan to return.
I don’t believe that political opinions belong in crafts classes offered by the library. Students should not have to make a choice between listening to opinions they find offensive or leaving the class. I feel it is inappropriate for teachers to use class time and their positions of authority to espouse political views.
If it is the library’s policy that politics do not belong in the classes, perhaps the teachers could be reminded of this.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.