It's when bystanders say nothing to people who dare to hang their prejudices out for public display that those people then begin to get the idea that it is ok - the accepted norm to make "jokes" that aren't funny. They poison the atmosphere in a school, making it not ok to be in any way "different." You are right, your VP was right, and you are courageous. Your bravery in standing up for what you know is right is a wonderful example for all children. I hope you get the support you need to stay strong in this situation. Those who say you are making a big deal out of nothing just don't understand that when people are marginalized, i.e. made the butt of jokes or prejudiced statements, their lives are affected. Sometimes, when it gets to be too much, they fight back (Columbine). They may say, "Oh we don't have any "_______'s" (you name the ethnic or religious group) here, but you never know just whose extended family or friends they may be maligning. It's never ok. About time we start calling prejudice what it is, no matter what form it takes. Keep up the good work. You are the heroes.
Oh, there has already been a discussion with the principal and an asst. superintendent. Action was taken with the employee but we aren't allowed to know what it was.
But the gossip around this issue is flying, even though this was weeks ago. It is still being discussed in the community and in the faculty room. And it is all those who feel that we are wrong that keep bringing it up. We feel like we are being left to swing alone in the breeze for standing up for what is right.
I can't understand a parent or a teacher who would walk away from prejudice and just ignore it. What does that teach our kids?
First, I'd probably have a long chat with the Principal. If it was a staff member who said something that offended someone the principal needs to make a decision on the proper steps to take.
Yes, I think prejudice is something everyone should fight. Hate leads to more hate and you are setting an example for children.
I would have a hard time keeping quiet about it (but that's the kind of person I am). But now is not the time to spread gossip and rumor. I would start at the bottom of the chain (the staff member) and if that doesn't work go on up the chain (principal, superintendent, school board).
I won't go in to details. But our PTO is involved in a very sensitive issue at our school and we are feeling abandoned by other parents and teachers. What can we do?
A staff member made what could be considered a prejuidiced remark in the school office. MY VP and her student/daughter were present along with the secretary and a teacher. My VP complained about the remark-as it was directed at her for a response, and the entire event was investigated. I backed her up. I had similar remarks made to me by the same staff member.
Now we are being told by other parents that we should have ignored it. That is was just joking. Don't make a fuss. The controversy will go away when you are not officers anymore. We wonder why many of our parents won't back us up. Isn't it right to fight prejudice?
Teachers have told us privately that they have witnessed similar things, but felt they could not object. It might make they look like they were not a team player or endanger their chances for tenure. Most teachers have told us privately that they support us. But they will not do it publicly. We feel like we are all alone out there facing a storm of controversy.
How do you decide which battles to pick in your school? What issues make you take action and what is smarter to just ignore? What do you do and say when you are trying to stand up for what is right for the children? What would you have done in a similar situation?
We feel very alone and unsupported right now and it is scary. In reality, most of the parents, even the involved ones, don't know about what happened. But those that do told us to keep our mouths shut and hope that it goes away.
What do you think?
