I wasn’t planning on making a statement about this—honestly, I didn’t have an opinion about the Educational Expo that was suppose to happen at the Mankato YMCA. But I keep getting tagged in posts or mistaken for one of the organizers, which I’m not.

So, here’s my take: I’ve never fully understood cancel culture, especially at a time when it’s clear these strategies often backfire. But more importantly, to defeat ideas you disagree with, you need to engage with them. Perhaps to have the best public school we could see what private schools are doing? Attending an event and asking questions is a far more effective way to refine your arguments and challenge those ideas. Exploring educational approaches is likely the best way to create an optimal system for our children.

As someone whose children all graduated from YMCA preschools and who’s spent years mentoring through the Y, I can’t help but feel deeply saddened by this situation. The Y runs an incredible mentorship program, and imagine if all the energy spent canceling events went into strengthening that instead—ensuring every child has a positive adult role model. We’d be building a healthier, more connected community.

The YMCA’s in a bind here, no question. But I’d argue that real leadership— the kind that takes “growing together” seriously—means making room for all perspectives, even ones we don’t like, so long as they’re not explicitly hateful. Letting groups we disagree with use community spaces isn’t a capitulation; it’s a flex of confidence in our own ideas. If we can’t unite around that, especially for kids whose futures hinge on being exposed to a range of ideas, what are we even doing as a community?

Think of how much better our educational environment would be if we focused this type of attention on reading and math services in our district. What if, instead of canceling, we put our energy into enhancing understanding and collaboration?

At the end of the day, this situation is unfortunate, but it should serve as a reminder that our community’s future depends on our ability to engage with one another. There can be growth in mistakes.

Beth