Mean, Angry Letter part 2

However, in an attempt to not offend anyone, the administration has shown itself to be discriminatory and prejudice. Here is a simple test. You must ask yourselves: if a student says that Homecoming and Pep assemblies offend them, would you stop these events? My guess is no. You would not allow one voice to ruin the festivities for everyone. Instead, you would offer an alternative: perhaps that student can watch a movie in the library, or paint in the art room (you still have art, don't you?). You accommodate that students beliefs, but you also respect the majority of the population. I further theorize that it is not Halloween that offends the school district so much as it is the wearing of masks. I understand you've been concerned about security. If this is the true worry, do not hide it behind a few offended souls. Make policy based upon the things you are truly concerned about. As educators, I'm sure you've heard about the 2050 projection, which states that by the year 2050, whites will comprise a meager 56% of the population, with Hispanic, Asian, and African American student populations rising dramatically. Diversity is becoming the norm. Even the sheltered town of Puyallup is not exempt from the encroaching people of color. At this point, you are hiding from it. You will not be able to make such bold policies. Nor will you ever make everybody happy. But what example are you sending to the students? You're telling them that their opinions and beliefs don't matter, that a few people can ruin the festivities of all. A high school teacher told me: you don't get to criticize unless you propose a way to improve the situation. May I suggest, next time, you compromise? Instead of celebrating Halloween, celebrate the changing seasons, the oncoming of Winter Break, and a "dress as you want to be day". Institute a "no mask" policy. You can make holidays non-denominational without taking away from the festivities. The secret to making everyone happy is to offer them choices. For example, dressing up is not required, nor is attendance to, say, a Halloween assembly. Students who do not celebrate Halloween do not have to. A note from their parents excusing them from school will suffice. The world is fast changing, but the policies of your institution are not. They are black and white, prejudicial and not at all tolerant. Sounds like the exact opposite of what the goals of Puyallup High School District are. I encourage you to re-examine your policies, and become educated about your student population. Paganism and Wicca are the fastest growing religions in America, second only to the Fundamental Christians. The two are not enemies, though we disagree on many things. But we also are learning to compromise. I suggest you do the same. Our children are in your schools, our tax dollars are at work, and we vote. Thank you for considering my opinion. If you have any questions concerning Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca or other religions in the movement, do not hesitate to call upon me. I would be happy to answer any questions. Sincerely, Jamie Lewis, class of 2001, 2nd Degree Witch

Grr! I'm still mad about it! When will they learn? This is one reason I am becoming a teacher: I want to change things from the inside out. So no one can say I'm not doing my part! Email me and tell me what you think!

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