I read about a beloved fourth-grade teacher in California who participated in the Jan. 6 Capital riot and attends QAnon events. There is reportedly no evidence that her political beliefs influence her teaching, yet some parents worry about her teaching their impressionable children.

I was an impressionable child subject to a teacher with strong political beliefs in my Catholic school. Mr. “L” was an accomplished teacher and vehement Pro-Lifer. I recall a week in January some 40 years ago when he was preparing for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Mr. L explained why and brought pictures.

The vivid images of dismembered fetuses are seared in my memory. I feel tight-chested writing this even now. I recall the anger on Mr. L’s face, his passionate tone, and pounding hand. I remember the shocked silence as I and my classmates struggled to hear this from our respected teacher.

Mr. L’s rant felt wrong to me then, but it was also consistent with my religious faith. Abortion was a sin. Years later, I participated in March for Life events myself. I believed in this political action, but I also recall feeling palpable dissonance.

I believe differently today. I credit two years living with women after college as critical to my education. I realize, now, that I was also an impressionable child harmed by a teacher without appropriate political boundaries. I empathize with parents in California. The classroom is not a platform for unfettered political speech. Boundaries matter.

Tom Meuser
Portland