# Letters: Plaintiffs in lawsuit could learn from LGBTQ community > Source: > Published: 2026-06-30 23:00:01+00:00 **Getting your** [Trinity Audio](//trinityaudio.ai)player ready...**Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.** #### Plaintiffs could learn from LGBTQ people Re: “[Suit targets Sunnyvale district](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/23/bay-area-school-sued-over-lgbtq-instruction/)” (Page B1, June 24). I was saddened by Wednesday’s headline. It reminded me of a lawsuit about 20 years ago when lawyers claiming to defend Christianity sued Cupertino’s Stevens Creek School District because a teacher was not allowed to promote his religious beliefs in class. Throughout history, intolerance has often cloaked itself in religion. The lawyers lost that case but used it as a fundraising tool. This new lawsuit is especially troubling because it is again brought in the name of Christianity — a faith whose founder repeatedly emphasized love, mercy and care for marginalized people while saying nothing about homosexuality. Most LGBTQ+ people I know are tolerant and loving. The plaintiffs in this case could learn something from them. **John Bartas** *Cupertino* #### A lawsuit takes precedence over love Re: “[Suit targets Sunnyvale district](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/23/bay-area-school-sued-over-lgbtq-instruction/)” (Page B1, June 24). In today’s world, everything is so polarized. As a society, we have forgotten how important basic messages such as acceptance are. Regardless of political or religious beliefs, suing a school over teaching kids about the LGBTQ+ community encapsulates that. Teaching children that respecting and accepting people who are different from them should not be scrutinized. But, now more than ever, with the extreme polarization we live in, fighting is more important than teaching love. If we continue to go down this path, the next generation will grow up without a basic understanding of empathy and human decency. **Ana Cipriano** *San Jose* #### Pride flag does not symbolize inclusion Why is the LGBTQ+ community, the darling of marginalized groups, worthy of flag flying in Santa Clara County? County and city rationales are remarkably similar. The most common words are “inclusion, inclusivity, diversity, equality, and equity.” Next, “celebrate, visibility, belonging, and support.” Plus, “serving as a beacon of safety and security for marginalized groups.” If celebrating gay+ pride is the objective, mission accomplished. But if supporting marginalized groups is the intent, a new flag is needed, minus the rainbow motif. The rainbow inexorably means Gay Pride. This would show all marginalized groups that they are supported: minorities, food-insecure, economically challenged, mentally challenged, disabled, illiterate, addicted, unhoused, etc. We care about it, not just the LGBTQ+ community. No matter how many elements they add to the flag, the rainbow will always be a symbol of gay pride, not inclusion, inclusivity, diversity, equality and equity for the entire population of Santa Clara County. **Jim Barnes** *Los Gatos* #### Sunnyvale’s rebirth prices out residents Re: “[Downtown Sunnyvale’s transformation from parking lot to vibrant hub](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/23/downtown-sunnyvale-transformation/)” (June 23). I’m grateful that the story did not end on an entirely celebratory note. As a child I used to walk to downtown from my grandparents’ house. I spent afternoons in Washington Park and would later share bowls of ramen with high school classmates on Murphy. That older stretch still feels worlds apart from the newer area around the AMC. I rarely wander between the two. The detail that stayed with me was how many longtime regulars have been priced out of the neighborhood they helped build. A downtown alive at all hours is worth celebrating. I wonder how much vibrancy means if the people who gave the area its character can no longer afford to live within walking distance. I hope city leaders weigh community against rising rents with equal care as more companies move in. **Katelin Tharp** *San Jose* #### FCC rules target only Trump opponents Re: “[KGO-TV seeks help to ensure its future](https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/06/22/abc7-kgo-tv-fcc-broadcast-license/)” (Page A1, June 24). So the FCC is reviewing the broadcast licenses of Disney-owned ABC stations, due to Disney’s DEI programs and the Jimmy Kimmel debacle. Now our president doesn’t like the show “The View” over its supposed lack of diverse viewpoints, even though Alina Habba and Vice President JD Vance were recent guests. And per the article, he “was sharply critical of ABC on Monday for reporting on algae problems plaguing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.” Yet “The Daily Show,” shown on Paramount+, which is owned by David Ellison and CBS, a Trump donor, and also parodies the same green water problem, has no such FCC investigation. Once again, the playing rules only apply to his team and supporters. **Erik Haselbach** *Foster City* #### VTA plays slumlord in section of San Jose Everyone has a neighbor whose property brings down their neighborhood. In my case, it’s not a single property, but many properties that comprise a former railroad right-of-way that cuts a one-mile-long swath through my neighborhood. Shamefully, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is the derelict property owner. Some sections of the right-of-way are open and a magnet for illegal dumping, graffiti and encampments. Weeds grow as tall as six feet along the entire mile length and are a tinderbox for aspiring arsonists. The most recent addition to this festering mess are rats that scurry about at East Santa Clara Street and North 28th. If these properties belonged to you or me, the city of San José would send us a letter and give us two weeks to clean them up with the threat of fines for noncompliance. Why does VTA get a free pass in my neighborhood? **Davide Vieira** *San Jose*