Letter: Lawmaker’s proposal is misguided

The proposal by State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann from Wilton to prohibit our public universities from offering mental health services they think necessary to students anxious and depressed by an event they feel threatens them could be seen as confirming that the students have reason to be filled with anxiety and sadness. If we want to dispel their fears about their futures, would it not be better to reassure them that we value them and will treat them as humans equal in dignity to ourselves? The activities are designed to reduce anxiety and depression. It is difficult enough to master the challenges of college; depression and anxiety make it almost impossible.

If the bill is offered out of concern for the spending of tax dollars, it is misguided. The activities offered for student support are a good investment of minimal resources; depression and anxiety as well as anger can be costly, both from lost productivity and when they result in violence to self or others.

Lisa Ross Thedens

Walker