Last night, we watched the proposal to rename Cantiague Elementary School quietly fold under community pressure. Superintendent Henry Grishman requested the Board withdraw the motion, citing “attacks”. Let’s be clear: what happened here was not an attack—it was advocacy. It was the community using its voice. And it worked.
But what followed during the meeting was equally revealing—and disturbing.
We heard dismissive comments suggesting that anonymous feedback should not be considered or accepted. That unless a name is attached, the opinion doesn’t matter. To that we say—unequivocally and with full confidence—anonymous speech is not only valid, it is constitutionally protected.
Anonymous Speech Is a First Amendment Right
The U.S. Supreme Court has been crystal clear on this issue: anonymous speech is a core component of free expression. In the 1995 landmark case McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission, the Court ruled that an Ohio law banning anonymous political pamphlets was unconstitutional. Justice Stevens wrote in the majority opinion:
“Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation… and to encourage open discourse.”
This is not a fringe opinion. It’s bedrock American principle.
From the earliest days of this country—when The Federalist Papers were written under pseudonyms—anonymous speech has played a critical role in democracy. That includes local communities like ours.
So yes, JerichoVoice includes anonymous voices. And they matter.
We’re Not a Person. We’re a Movement.
JerichoVoice isn’t one individual hiding behind a screen. We are a collective of parents, students, educators, and residents who believe in fair, transparent, community-centered governance.
We came together because decisions were being made without meaningful input. Because too often, power was concentrated in the hands of a few while the rest were expected to stay silent. Because too many feared retaliation for speaking out. And because too many were made to feel like their voices didn’t count—especially if they didn’t “go through the right channels.”
That era is over.
To the 600 Petition Signers—Thank You.
Your signature wasn’t just a name on a page. It was a statement: we expect better. We demand inclusion. And we are paying attention.
And to the many contributors—those who made calls, poured through policies, tracked district decisions, analyzed history, and brought these issues to light—your work matters more than you know. You made it possible for hundreds of others to find the courage to speak.
You reminded us that school names are not ornamental—they carry meaning, often rooted in local heritage. And when that heritage includes Native American language or history—as Cantiague does—it’s not something to erase lightly. This moment forced us to confront who gets remembered, who gets honored, and whose stories are too often ignored.
In lifting this issue, you didn’t just stop a name change. You sparked a deeper conversation about what and who we value.
You didn’t wait for permission to advocate. You led.
We Believe in Transparency. In Accountability. In Listening to Everyone.
Not just the loudest. Not just the insiders. Not just those with titles or ties.
We believe every voice matters. Whether whispered anonymously or shouted from the podium, all voices deserve to be heard.
To the Board: dismissing anonymous voices doesn’t make you principled. It makes you disconnected from the very community you serve. If the concern is about tone, then let’s elevate the tone—but don’t silence the message.
To the community: we see you. We hear you. And we will continue fighting alongside you.
Because Jericho is not a private club. It’s a public school district. And the public has spoken.
