Thanksgiving celebration canceled

Dear Editor:

My son attends Mountain View Elementary School I am appalled at the decision that the school board made at Thursday’s meeting I can not believe that one parent can stop a tradition that we have had for the last 40+ years.

Five-year-olds dressing up in Indian and Pilgrim costumes for a Thanksgiving festivity at school is not being a racist. This woman compared Thanksgiving festivities to the Holocaust, I am sorry but I just do not see the comparison. However, I am offended by her remarks and her insensitivity by this comparison. I am an Armenian and my relatives were killed during the Armenian Genocide in 1915.  How dare you compare the Thanksgiving festivities with the Holocaust! Her arguments are the most ridiculous things I have ever heard in my entire life.

There are over 80 kindergarten parents that are extremely upset by this and many other parents who have had their kids celebrate this event in the past. The decision by the Superintendent effects over 160 kids between the 2 schools. My son will be at school on Tuesday DRESSED as an Indian. Try to stop me. The Superintendent/School Board of Claremont demonstrated the lack of leadership that we as parents have at CUSD. It is time for a change.

John Garabedian
Claremont