A writer recently wrote, in a confusing sentence, that "The US/South Dakota Constitution state that the majority rules."

That isn't true. The U.S. Constitution, for example, is designed to limit power and to allow the exercise of liberty at the same time - a daunting task in any time. The founders knew that it was all but a forgone conclusion that majorities would rule. The question was how to allow that rule and protect minorities from the tyranny of the majority at the same time. The U.S. Constitution is full of mechanisms that limit the power of majorities in order to protect the liberty of citizens.

The writer also thinks that the school board has an obligation to satisfy the demands of a "majority" at any given board meeting. But his so-called majority is simply a faction that is opposed to protecting gay students from discrimination.

By adding the words sexual orientation and gender to the school district's harassment policy the board is simply offering such limited protection as it can to a minority of students who really need that protection. If any one group of students isn't safe from discrimination none of them are. Those students need our support.

DAVE MILLER

Rapid City