Idaho schools are being filled with right wing propaganda | Opinion

Idaho pushing student indoctrinatoin

In Idaho, we are no longer applying a consistent standard in our classrooms — we are choosing sides.

Teachers are being told they cannot display a simple message like “Everyone is welcome here,” as though basic inclusion were ideological. At the same time, our governor is promoting student clubs affiliated with Turning Point USA, an organization defined by its political agenda.

Calling that neutrality strains credibility.

If the goal is to keep politics out of schools, that principle cannot be enforced selectively. A general message of belonging does not direct students’ beliefs. Promoting a specific ideological organization does.

Students have every right to organize and express their views. That isn’t the issue. The issue is state leadership elevating one perspective while limiting educators from expressing something as fundamental as inclusion.

When inclusion is treated as inappropriate, but political alignment is encouraged, the signal to students is clear — and it is not neutral.

We should stop pretending otherwise. The hypocrisy in Idaho is thriving as well as if it was residing in the White House.

Dwight Munger III, Emmett

Risch unresponsive to constituents

Sen. Jim Risch is my pen pal. I never expected that writing to my legislative representative would become my most continuous correspondence since grade school, but here we are.

I write to Risch about everything from the economy and healthcare to immigration enforcement and foreign affairs. As a reliable pen pal, he always guarantees a response. Unfortunately, those responses are rarely timely and almost never address my actual concerns.

Whether I am asking about specific ICE operations or questioning bizarre proposals like conquering Greenland, I don’t get direct answers. Instead, I receive generic talking points.

I would love to end this pen-pal relationship. However, Risch refuses to hold town halls where I might interact with the person elected to represent all Idahoans. Calling his office just means leaving a message with a staffer — another one-way street for communication.

Since he won’t meet with his constituents face-to-face, my only option to participate in the democratic process is to keep waiting by the mailbox for another canned letter from my favorite pen pal.

Lynn Oliver, Boise

A war on truth and decency

There is something terribly wrong when providing education, health care and truth are constantly attacked instead of attacking ignorance, greed and lies. Our tax dollars are being spent on making arms dealers and oligarchs richer. How many people will die because the few will benefit from chaos, wars and violence? We are on the brink of war because priorities reflect the avarice and lack of humanity from the White House. Congress has failed to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution from an attempt to install a dictatorship. Let’s vote the collaborators out of office and defend our priorities during the upcoming midterms!

Sheila Robbins, Boise

Don’t fib about Trump’s economy

Dear Rep Mike Simpson,

In your newsletter, you say that “Tens of millions of American families claimed at least one of President Trump’s signature tax cuts” but what you don’t say is that “some middle-income households found the benefits smaller than anticipated because of how certain cuts are structured. Others risk losing food assistance and health insurance benefits from new spending restrictions included in the law to offset revenue losses,” according to NBC.

With higher gas prices, higher food prices, higher inflation, and higher healthcare premiums, all the “benefit“ that you tout is negated by all the other socia” cuts made this year through the Big Beautiful Bill. In no other first world nation is healthcare so outrageously expensive.

“The median proposed premium increase for 2026 is 18% nationally — more than double the 2025 increase and triple the 2024 increase. Some states like Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Washington have already finalized increases exceeding 20%,” according to the commonwealth fund. When will you learn that most times, it’s less about the actual money in pocket and more about how far can that money go to bring health and happiness for the majority of your constituents?

Alisa Rettschlag, Boise

Bathroom bill is persecution

Under House Bill 752, transgender Idahoans are at risk of spending a year or more in jail for using a bathroom that matches their identity. Transgender people already consistently report harassment and violence when using public bathrooms, and now transgender Idahoans will be at greater risk due to being forced to enter bathrooms that do not match their outward appearance. There is also no evidence that transgender people, themselves, pose any threat to others in public restrooms. Cisgender individuals are also at risk. If a cis woman doesn’t look “feminine enough,” she may be at risk of police questioning or harassment (this has already happened in Florida and Connecticut.)

As a life-long Idahoan, I love this state, but serious changes need to be made. Laws like this come into existence because of the hatred and fear that is perpetuated against transgender people. While I encourage protest, voting, and contacting representatives, the long term solution is to heal the fear and hatred. By getting to know transgender folks, doing your own research, and having conversations about these issues with family and friends, you can combat misinformation and foster understanding within your community. Be part of the change Idaho needs.

Rachel Durfee, Boise