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Speaker tells RSU 38: 'Silence is not consent'
Summary
Dr. Cassidy Daniels told the board that a phrase used at a prior meeting—'silence is consent'—is wrong and urged educators and parents to teach explicit, enthusiastic consent so children learn they have a voice.
Dr. Cassidy Daniels addressed the board to correct language used at the Sept. 18 meeting and said, "silence is not consent." Daniels said that adults should model explicit and enthusiastic consent for children, noting that silence can reflect confusion, pressure, or a need to process new information rather than agreement.
Daniels urged parents and educators to ensure students understand consent, to give children space to process information, and to avoid implying that quietness equals assent. She framed the point as a cultural and educational responsibility rather than a request for immediate board action.
Board members thanked Daniels and recorded her town as Manchester for the meeting record. No formal policy motion resulted from this comment during the session.
