Because of recent events pertaining to #BlackatBLS, the school has started a platform of discussions regarding issues of race, inequality, and institutionalized racism. The day following MLK Day, everyone was angry about the comments said by some individuals in this school.
Students wondered whether the school would address these issues, or if their feelings would be completely disregarded. These doubts were proven wrong with the announcement of our principal, Mr. Henniger, when he addressed how as a school we would take the steps necessary to talk about the taboo topics and make the school a warm and welcoming place. After hearing this announcement, many students felt touched; we felt that the school finally would change for the better. This opportunity for discussion was the beginning.
The following school week, we had an extended homeroom on Tuesday, January 26. When students heard this, we initially viewed it as a positive thing. This was an opportunity for everyone to talk and hash out their own thoughts about topics that they thought needed to be addressed. But unfortunately, this was not what happened. Instead of an opportunity for discussion, we were given a packet that outlined things that you shouldn’t do on social media. Many of us thought of this as a useless and blatant slap in the face. This time could have been used to bring up issues and educate students about the complicated and uncomfortable issues of race, but instead was a wasted opportunity.
Later, there was another announcement that administration was going to allow optional open discussions after school involving many topics including culture and race. On the surface, this seems like a step forward, but BLA needs more. These discussions might help a little, but these conversations of discomfort will only be talked about between people who believe that there is a problem. Those who believe that nothing is happening and choose to blind themselves from topics like this will just not attend. Those who do attend will be on the same page, and then the school and everyone else will write off this problem as if nothing was wrong, which continues this cycle of ignorance.
Marcus Tullius Cicero said to be ignorant of history is to remain always a child. There is a history behind everything that we say and do. If we want our words and actions to create change, then we must be educated about their history. We cannot drive out ignorance with more ignorance; we can only beat it with our knowledge. This lack of education is continuing the cycle of ignorance which is part of what is tearing our community apart. There should not be a lack of education. If we don’t learn, we cannot teach, and then we cannot facilitate change. Education is first, and it’s not something that can or should be optional. Education should never be optional. Education is key.
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