My name is Rowan Khleifat, and I'm a senior at Wappingers Central School District. As the head Dramaturg for our upcoming fall play, Dracula, I poured my heart into researching and creating promotional artwork that accurately reflects the themes and narrative of the play. However, my artwork has been unfairly censored because it features a rosary depicted with blood, an image crucial to the storyline where the rosary protects characters from Dracula.

The school's decision to censor this piece, citing concerns that it might be offensive to Christians, undermines not only my efforts but also the educational purpose of dramatic arts. The rosary in my artwork is not an insult; rather, it's a representation of a key element in Bram Stoker's novel, highlighting themes of protection and salvation. The point of art, especially in educational settings, is to spark conversation and understanding, not stifle it.

This instance of censorship is not an isolated incident within our district. Four years ago, the fall play faced potential cancellation due to its LGBTQ themes, and a book was banned for similar reasons the prior year. This pattern of silencing diverse voices violates the principles of freedom of expression and the pedagogical objectives of arts education.

Censorship hinders our ability to learn and engage with different perspectives and robs students of the opportunity to explore important cultural and historical narratives. By suppressing creative expression, the district not only diminishes the hard work and creativity of its students but also sends a message of intolerance.

I urge the Wappingers Central School District to reconsider its stance on censorship and allow for an open dialogue that respects the artistic integrity of student work. Instead of resorting to suppression out of fear of potential backlash, let's use these opportunities to foster discussion and understanding within our community.

This petition seeks to restore the original, uncensored artwork for Dracula and establish a constructive framework for future artistic projects—a framework that celebrates and respects diverse viewpoints rather than silencing them.

Please join me in standing up for artistic freedom by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for an educational environment that truly supports creative expression and respects the narratives students choose to explore in their art.