HIV Advocacy: Response from the City of Edgewood on Cancelled HIV/AIDS Class
February 23, 1998
A response has been received from City of Edgewood Administrator Lou Noll concerning his decision to cancel an HIV/AIDS class sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Health Dept. at the Edgewood Fire House. The response was addressed to a good friend of mine. I have left her name out for confidentiallity purposes. Mr. Noll's words indicate to me that we have many barriers in our way to get HIV education out to the world.
Here is his response:
Dear Mrs. X:
Thank you for your letter concerning the city's sponsorship of the juvenile HIV/AIDS Awareness Class. I regret that you feel that I am not concerned about this tragic disease. I assure you that my position was not taken without a great amount of thought. I assure you that the Administrative policy developed for this situation has to do with the proper exercise of government and not with HIV/AIDS.
I am enclosing a copy of the Administration's official policy with regard to the proposed class. As stated in the policy, we feel that the presentation of this class to a juvenile audience is not a proper function of city government. This is a family matter that should be presented in a family setting. It also is a concern that the class could not be pre-screened by parents so that they might judge the appropriateness of the presentation. At no time, has the Administration taken the position that HIV/AIDS does not exist in the community. Neither have we questioned the sincerity, integrity, nor competence of those involved with the class. As a parent of a large family, I am very concerned about the information that my children receive and the source of that information. I have never looked to the government to educate my children with or without my permission/knowledge.
It is important to understand that this class was not being presented by the City. It is also important to recognize that a fee was being charged. The class is being presented on the same evening, free of charge, by the same presenter, just a block away from City Hall. It is being sponsored by the County Health Department. This is exactly what we proposed in our statement. Government, even local government, should never supplant parental guidance. If parents feel inadequate to the task, they should seek help from appropriate persons or organizations to provide that help. Today, too much is done by government to supplant the role of the parent while the parent still bears responsibility for the welfare of the child. I assure you that I have attempted to educate myself about this disease. I have also attempted to educate my children. That information does not automatically immunize them from contracting HIV/AIDS.
Again, I thank you for your letter. We have a difference of opinion on the role of government. I would hope that we can differ on this and still accept the fact that this is an honest difference of opinion. I have never been a political person. I have always tried to make my decisions based on what I felt was best for the community and not what would further my career. I understand your concern about HIV/AIDS. I assure you I am also concerned, but in a significantly less personal way. As a parent, I do understand your pain. Please be assured that you and your child will be in my prayers.
Please feel free to call me or drop in on me if your are so inclined. I appreciate your taking the time to write me of your concerns.
Sincerely, Louis A. Noll,
City Administrator
For more info contact: mconnley@Cinergy.com
