In a passionate address during the recent Board of Education meeting, community member Stephanie Yankaus highlighted the alarming parallels she sees between current government actions and historical events leading up to the Holocaust. Drawing from her reading of Julian Borger's book, "I Seek a Kind Person," Yankaus emphasized the dangers of complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism.

Yankaus recounted how Jewish families in Vienna sought refuge for their children as the Nazi regime took hold, stressing that no one is truly safe from the encroachment of oppressive policies. She pointed to recent federal actions that she believes undermine civil rights, particularly for LGBTQ individuals and marginalized communities. Yankaus expressed concern over the rescinding of grants, the banning of transgender women from sports, and the restriction of gender-affirming care for minors, arguing that these measures reflect a broader trend of eroding due process and civil liberties.

She urged the community not to dismiss these issues as irrelevant, warning that the implications of poorly written legislation could extend beyond the targeted groups. For instance, she raised the possibility that procedures like hair transplants and breast augmentations, often associated with gender-affirming care, could also be at risk.

Yankaus also critiqued the S.A.V. Act, which requires voters to present identification that matches their current name, potentially disenfranchising many, particularly married women who have changed their surnames. She called for vigilance and action, urging residents to advocate for inclusive educational curricula that celebrate diversity and protect all students.

In closing, she invoked the words of Holocaust survivor Yehuda Bauer, emphasizing the moral imperative to stand against oppression and to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Yankaus's remarks serve as a call to action for the community to remain engaged and proactive in defending civil rights and fostering an inclusive environment in Howard County schools.