There is this persistent notion that children are "unaware" of differences and are only introduced to them by the adults in their lives, so it's not only unnecessary (but might even be considered inappropriate) to teach young children about differences in skin color, physical and mental abilities, or attraction to people who are the same sex.
But of course kids notice differences in skin and hair color. Of course they notice if someone is a glasses wearer or wheelchair user. Of course they often get their first crushes around the same time they're learning to read. Kids notice differences because it's normal, and a sign of healthy human development is to be able to differentiate between the people, places, and things in your environment.
What is introduced to them is what those differences MEAN. A parent who hustles you away from the woman with Down Syndrome, or shushes your questions about a wheelchair user, is communicating that people with disabilities are not people to be acknowledged. A parent who gets uncomfortable with books about Black kids, or immigrant families, because you're "too young" is communicating that some people's lives are not important to know or learn about. A parent who says you "can't talk about" your aunt and her wife is communicating that your aunt's relationship is shameful. A child who is raised to believe that being white, straight, male, and able-bodied is just a neutral way of being, because everything else is a *variation* on that baseline, is going to have some hard re-learning to do when (and if) they finally realize that's not even remotely the case.
That's exactly it. We are being taught that "being white, straight, male, and able-bodied is just a neutral way of being" and "everything else is a *variation* on that baseline."
To be all of those things is to be “American,” and America is built for you. Just like the world is built for right-handers. All of the rest of us are “Lefties.”
I think a lot of this also comes down to parents who are afraid and/or poor communicators. Same goes for parents who refuse to have the sex talk with their 14 year old. The parents themselves are likely woefully miseducated and lack the necessary language or knowledge to have a discussion with their kids about it. At best it’s lazy parenting, at worst it’s setting your kids up to be prejudiced.
But I think what we are witnessing is that these miseducated/misinformed parents are being weaponized for a political purpose just like the moral majority in the 80s. Re: Moms For Liberty. It’s this weird combo of a satanic panic and white supremacy tactics all rolled up into one. We can’t talk about race, we can’t talk about sex, we can talk about “the gays”, etc etc. At this point I’m just waiting for the moms to decide that Bluey played backwards is satanic.
The irony of it all, is that if parents were more curious and less defensive, when faced with things they lack understanding about, we would be in a very different place.
Did you see the family from this same school district with one child who is white and one who is back actually pull both out of the district to homeschool them? One of the parents was even a teacher in the district! What was their final straw?
I’ll tell you. Some white kid started yelling one day for a black kid to “get to the back of the bus”. He also had an app on his phone. It was the sound of a whip. So as he screamed this at the kid he played the sound full volume. The black daughter with her white sister was also on the bus. She became his next victim.
This is America. This has been our America since the beginning. And if you don’t believe it look at all the drafts of our beloved constitution that, with each draft, wrote slavery back IN. And look at the men who wrote it. Slave owners all (and don’t for a minute tell me that Washington became one of the good guys as he chased his “property”, Ona Judge, all the way up to Portsmouth NH as she fled from him).
Jeanne -- Just to clarify (not excuse) the founders not explicitly abolishing slavery when they had the opportunity. The issue of slavery was a dominant topic during the drafting of the Constitution, with most of the founders (even those who owned slaves) somewhat willing to abolish the institution. The conundrum that they faced however was the knowledge that if they had, the Constitution would not have been ratified by the southern states. This would have effectively 'split' the nation in its infancy. They did know that 'slavery' would have to be dealt with at some point in the future. Their hope was that it could be handled through legislative debate. Of course, the 'future' had a different approach in mind...e.g. Civil War. This is one of my favorite 'hypothetical' history subjects to discuss: "Where would the U.S. be today if the founders had abolished slavery in the text of the Constitution?" Maybe two separate nations (?) without a Civil War in our history (?).
Exactly. Each draft saw slavery and the protection of southern states’ rights (and power and money) restored more and more. The very first draft of the constitution is so much different than the final because the south had a real problem to wrangle with and that was this: the rationale for breaking away from Britain and going to war for independence was based on this belief in unalienable rights - not rights granted by a monarch. But what to do when the war is won and they have this problem of owning humans for profit and personal comfort who, what? Don’t have those same rights? To preserve this newly formed and freed country they had to ignore and repudiate the very beliefs they used to justify the war to begin with. So this is also why I feel like nothing has changed. We are a country still divided over who is truly free, equal and deserving of a welcome sign with a few brown hands on it. American mythology so overstates and overrates what freedoms are available to brown and black Americans and beatifies the “Founding Fathers” who, on the whole, were wildly protective of their own “property”. Love the “what if” thought experiment and maybe even start it later…like no Jim Crow era? Can you imagine?
You can see it via the local news in Idaho via YouTube. The two sisters were so saddened by all of it. But they were both clear eyed about the racism. They want to just get an education minus bullying and harassment. Such a simple thing to want and yet? Our country can’t provide it. It stuns me.
I’m still dumbfounded that we’re dealing with parents who experienced all sorts of sexual freedoms, partying (not all good), the inclusion of lgtbq, girls in sports and the Internet. So much positive stuff. Is it because they had no controls so they need to totally control their kids. It’s just mind bending the idiocy of it all. Signed 67-year old parent.
My school system recently voted not to fight the federal ban on DEI language, citing loss of funding through legal fees would add to the loss of federal funding if we did. During my summative evaluation, I was praised for having a diverse classroom library for my student choice reading opportunities and making sure all students felt welcome and represented. My principal wrote it in a way that rearranged the words diversity, equity, and inclusion. We both laughed about tricking AI search bots that way, but there was also a feeling of truth behind that moment — a nuanced layer of fear and relief that we had actually incorporated a small safeguard by doing this. It’s disturbing.
Carolyn -- I applaud you, and all teachers today for your courage. I retired from the classroom at the end of the '20/'21 school year. When I speak with my former colleagues who are still working (persevering), they often lament, "You got out at the right time." I wish you well, and optimistically (hopefully) express my sentiments: "This too shall pass."
What kind, supportive, and encouraging words. Thank you. I too subscribe to the, “This too shall pass” philosophy. Thank you for reminding me and happiest retirement to you! I’m finishing up year 19; I hope the decade I have left will see the pendulum swing the other way ❤️.
As a veteran of the Vietnam War, this is why we risked our lives!! My fellow vets of all races were all risking their lives for the same reason!! Is our America gone??
We are losing teachers in droves and in a teacher shortage and this is what we are doing to them right now…. Pushing them away with a sign that is welcoming all?! Why do we continue to let teachers get bullied, take a bullet, and are caught in political cross hairs all the time! We expect them to hold so many hats, teach, be crisis managers for kids and handle this kind of crap too. 🤬
I also remember during COVID lockdowns, once the evidence was pointing toward the virus not being as deadly for kids, the immediate rush by some to say that in-person learning should resume and without masks. Like teachers are essentially babysitters most of the time, and cannon fodder in pandemics. We exploit their love of teaching by paying them ridiculously low wages and then expect them to provide school supplies out of pocket. I don't understand these priorities.
I live in Meridian, Idaho and home of the West Ada School District. The very same school district my 2 kids attended in the early 2000's. It is heartbreaking and maddening that Sarah was forced to resign to maintain her dignity and her beliefs. I stand behind her 100% as do most people I know. I truly am disgusted with Idaho, it's ruby redness and it's "bend the knee" attitude. I know that Sarah and her colleagues (because more educators from the West Ada School District WILL resign) will find better positions with the Boise School District. Idaho continues to make the national news over and over again because of issues just like this. I'm a Minnesota Native, yup, I was born and raised in Hibbing and have family in Duluth and often wish we could just move back to a more inclusive environment. Get a sign, get a t-shirt and support Sarah and the right for all children to receive a good education in safe environment.
As a retired teacher of 35+ years, this makes me sick. I began my career in the state institution for children with severe disabilities, not long after the passage of the federal law requiring edu for all. I was practicing inclusion almost before it was a thing. I’m glad she quit, they ( the district) don’t deserve her. Sadly, the kids do. If I were still teaching, that sign would be on my door. I hope every teacher does just that.
As a 22 year educator, this story makes my heart hurt. I genuinely cannot comprehend how racist and/or exclusionary thoughts are seen as valid perspectives. It is literally my job to make every child feel seen, valued, accepted, and safe so that they can learn in my classroom. I will uphold that standard as long as I am an educator and will continue to fight for it even after I retire.
Did the school ever have the nerve to point out exactly what the offending aspect of that particular sign was? Why not give the teacher or the parents at the meeting an answer to that question or an acceptable alternative? How ridiculous and sad for everyone involved.
This was a great article to read to my eighth grader at breakfast this morning. We had a good convo (he's baffled that the sign was deemed political), and he reports that that exact sign is up in the hallway of his extremely diverse (Texas) middle school. I hope that Idaho teacher lands in a public school district with some sense.
In your poll Sharon, there was 5% who said these signs were not ok. I’m combing through comments to find out why anyone would think that way. Any reason at all. Anyone who thinks so please explain why you think that way.
Here is my opportunity to partially fix my mistake. That 5%. It’s actually lower. I misunderstood Sharon’s question and thought I was saying yes I think it’s fine. I was horrified when I realized that the question asked if I thought it was controversial. There was no way to change my answer. I’m wishing against hope that others made the same mistake and there really aren’t that many out there who think this beautiful depiction of acceptance and inclusion are taking it as a political statement.
During the elections I fear some may have thought my American flag flying on my porch was making a political statement. ?!?! How twisted both of these examples are of what is controversial.
We had the All Are Welcome Here sign in our yard. My SIL made a BIG stink about it which resulted in two huge family meetings. She insists that that sign really means that conservatives are not welcome here. She said I'm naive to think otherwise, no matter how much I tried to convince her that's not what it means and that everyone is truly welcome. She says I'm putting my liberal friends and people I don't even know above family, who now don't feel welcome at my house. LOL.
Wow that’s tough! And rather ridiculous, so people can either welcome conservatives OR everyone else according to her logic? I consider myself to be pretty conservative, but I’m going to have to disagree with your SIL
I know what you mean!! One of my (ex)best friends insults those who don’t support her choice of political perspective which is ME. They are EVIL she says. Sends me clips and videos of the conservative agenda. I don’t have much to say to her since she actually believes all these divisive things that are taking place in our country are for the best outcome. 🤷🏻♀️ A conversation to try and understand each other, I fear would be disastrous.
My kids are in this school district. It is unfathomable to me that the district decided to back the principal and reinforce the idea that Everyone Is Welcome is an opinion instead of acknowledging that one of their principals believes in racist ideologies. Unfortunately, they have a long history of backing administration no matter what, and now a district that already struggles to attract teachers has lost two excellent ones, as well as disenfranchised a whole lot more.
Luckily, my kids’ schools (within the district) supported the messages on the posters through chalk messages on school sidewalks (which they left despite district instructions to remove), hanging copies of the posters throughout their schools, including in the staff room, and wearing the Everyone Is Welcome shirt on repeat, especially at events where parents were invited.
As I said, I have no idea why district and school board officials couldn’t admit that they were wrong, but at least the people who are actively responsible for educating my kids are willing to go out of their way and put their jobs on the line to make sure their students know they don’t agree. It just hurts that they had to do so.
I live in a state where they're trying to hang the 10 Commandments in every classroom, but THESE are controversial?? What kind of upside down are we living in?
I very much appreciate that Sharon has asked people to point to the hands who aren't welcome. Tell us who. We are waiting.
Also, can absolutely confirm that this Louisianaian purchased (and is wearing today) an "Everyone is welcome here" shirt in solidarity with these teachers.
For all the hearts that hurt when they read this, may they be moved to attend their local school board meetings and make sure their teachers hear their support.
This makes me so sad. How is it that the same people who grew up learning and teaching the song 'Jesus Loves the Little Children' are doing the exact opposite? What happened?
As a mother of four and a healthcare provider for over 17 years, I’ve seen how essential it is for children to feel safe and seen. What happened in Sarah Inama’s classroom is not just about posters, it’s about what we’re willing to erase to avoid discomfort. When a sign saying "Everyone is welcome here" becomes controversial, we’ve already lost the thread. Children understand these messages deeply. They notice when inclusion is removed and silence takes its place. Calling that message political is a deflection. The truth is, if welcoming all kids is up for debate, what are we really saying about who belongs?
Public education should affirm every child’s dignity. If our policies cannot hold space for that, then it’s the policies that need to change.
You are right, and something that stands out to me reading your comment is that the discomfort being avoided is for people who look and think a certain way and have decided that matters most. It’s terrible that enough Americans are willing to side with that thinking that we end up here.
More good people lost because of stupid rules and ideas coming from the "top." Many more problems are being caused than solved by these stupid regulations! I'm so fed up. Kindness and common sense seem to have disappeared.
Is this the point? It seems like another attempt to destroy public education. If they make it so difficult to be a teacher or to run a school (from funding being pulled by vouchers or threats) then good people quit and schools close. Stay and fight or leave? I think all of us will be faced with this question under this administration if we haven’t already.
There is this persistent notion that children are "unaware" of differences and are only introduced to them by the adults in their lives, so it's not only unnecessary (but might even be considered inappropriate) to teach young children about differences in skin color, physical and mental abilities, or attraction to people who are the same sex.
But of course kids notice differences in skin and hair color. Of course they notice if someone is a glasses wearer or wheelchair user. Of course they often get their first crushes around the same time they're learning to read. Kids notice differences because it's normal, and a sign of healthy human development is to be able to differentiate between the people, places, and things in your environment.
What is introduced to them is what those differences MEAN. A parent who hustles you away from the woman with Down Syndrome, or shushes your questions about a wheelchair user, is communicating that people with disabilities are not people to be acknowledged. A parent who gets uncomfortable with books about Black kids, or immigrant families, because you're "too young" is communicating that some people's lives are not important to know or learn about. A parent who says you "can't talk about" your aunt and her wife is communicating that your aunt's relationship is shameful. A child who is raised to believe that being white, straight, male, and able-bodied is just a neutral way of being, because everything else is a *variation* on that baseline, is going to have some hard re-learning to do when (and if) they finally realize that's not even remotely the case.
That's exactly it. We are being taught that "being white, straight, male, and able-bodied is just a neutral way of being" and "everything else is a *variation* on that baseline."
Don’t forget “Christian.”
To be all of those things is to be “American,” and America is built for you. Just like the world is built for right-handers. All of the rest of us are “Lefties.”
Thank you! Definitely an oversight on my part, but so important to understand.
I think a lot of this also comes down to parents who are afraid and/or poor communicators. Same goes for parents who refuse to have the sex talk with their 14 year old. The parents themselves are likely woefully miseducated and lack the necessary language or knowledge to have a discussion with their kids about it. At best it’s lazy parenting, at worst it’s setting your kids up to be prejudiced.
But I think what we are witnessing is that these miseducated/misinformed parents are being weaponized for a political purpose just like the moral majority in the 80s. Re: Moms For Liberty. It’s this weird combo of a satanic panic and white supremacy tactics all rolled up into one. We can’t talk about race, we can’t talk about sex, we can talk about “the gays”, etc etc. At this point I’m just waiting for the moms to decide that Bluey played backwards is satanic.
The irony of it all, is that if parents were more curious and less defensive, when faced with things they lack understanding about, we would be in a very different place.
Did you see the family from this same school district with one child who is white and one who is back actually pull both out of the district to homeschool them? One of the parents was even a teacher in the district! What was their final straw?
I’ll tell you. Some white kid started yelling one day for a black kid to “get to the back of the bus”. He also had an app on his phone. It was the sound of a whip. So as he screamed this at the kid he played the sound full volume. The black daughter with her white sister was also on the bus. She became his next victim.
This is America. This has been our America since the beginning. And if you don’t believe it look at all the drafts of our beloved constitution that, with each draft, wrote slavery back IN. And look at the men who wrote it. Slave owners all (and don’t for a minute tell me that Washington became one of the good guys as he chased his “property”, Ona Judge, all the way up to Portsmouth NH as she fled from him).
Jeanne -- Just to clarify (not excuse) the founders not explicitly abolishing slavery when they had the opportunity. The issue of slavery was a dominant topic during the drafting of the Constitution, with most of the founders (even those who owned slaves) somewhat willing to abolish the institution. The conundrum that they faced however was the knowledge that if they had, the Constitution would not have been ratified by the southern states. This would have effectively 'split' the nation in its infancy. They did know that 'slavery' would have to be dealt with at some point in the future. Their hope was that it could be handled through legislative debate. Of course, the 'future' had a different approach in mind...e.g. Civil War. This is one of my favorite 'hypothetical' history subjects to discuss: "Where would the U.S. be today if the founders had abolished slavery in the text of the Constitution?" Maybe two separate nations (?) without a Civil War in our history (?).
Exactly. Each draft saw slavery and the protection of southern states’ rights (and power and money) restored more and more. The very first draft of the constitution is so much different than the final because the south had a real problem to wrangle with and that was this: the rationale for breaking away from Britain and going to war for independence was based on this belief in unalienable rights - not rights granted by a monarch. But what to do when the war is won and they have this problem of owning humans for profit and personal comfort who, what? Don’t have those same rights? To preserve this newly formed and freed country they had to ignore and repudiate the very beliefs they used to justify the war to begin with. So this is also why I feel like nothing has changed. We are a country still divided over who is truly free, equal and deserving of a welcome sign with a few brown hands on it. American mythology so overstates and overrates what freedoms are available to brown and black Americans and beatifies the “Founding Fathers” who, on the whole, were wildly protective of their own “property”. Love the “what if” thought experiment and maybe even start it later…like no Jim Crow era? Can you imagine?
Oh my goodness, that’s horrible 😥
You can see it via the local news in Idaho via YouTube. The two sisters were so saddened by all of it. But they were both clear eyed about the racism. They want to just get an education minus bullying and harassment. Such a simple thing to want and yet? Our country can’t provide it. It stuns me.
I’m still dumbfounded that we’re dealing with parents who experienced all sorts of sexual freedoms, partying (not all good), the inclusion of lgtbq, girls in sports and the Internet. So much positive stuff. Is it because they had no controls so they need to totally control their kids. It’s just mind bending the idiocy of it all. Signed 67-year old parent.
Ala 'Wonder' by RJ Palacio where the mom was teaching her kid to be exclusionary.
My school system recently voted not to fight the federal ban on DEI language, citing loss of funding through legal fees would add to the loss of federal funding if we did. During my summative evaluation, I was praised for having a diverse classroom library for my student choice reading opportunities and making sure all students felt welcome and represented. My principal wrote it in a way that rearranged the words diversity, equity, and inclusion. We both laughed about tricking AI search bots that way, but there was also a feeling of truth behind that moment — a nuanced layer of fear and relief that we had actually incorporated a small safeguard by doing this. It’s disturbing.
Carolyn -- I applaud you, and all teachers today for your courage. I retired from the classroom at the end of the '20/'21 school year. When I speak with my former colleagues who are still working (persevering), they often lament, "You got out at the right time." I wish you well, and optimistically (hopefully) express my sentiments: "This too shall pass."
What kind, supportive, and encouraging words. Thank you. I too subscribe to the, “This too shall pass” philosophy. Thank you for reminding me and happiest retirement to you! I’m finishing up year 19; I hope the decade I have left will see the pendulum swing the other way ❤️.
As a veteran of the Vietnam War, this is why we risked our lives!! My fellow vets of all races were all risking their lives for the same reason!! Is our America gone??
Michael, I think we can agree that "All are welcome here" may no longer be the case for our military. This is a truly sad moment for all Americans.
Thank you for your service!
We are losing teachers in droves and in a teacher shortage and this is what we are doing to them right now…. Pushing them away with a sign that is welcoming all?! Why do we continue to let teachers get bullied, take a bullet, and are caught in political cross hairs all the time! We expect them to hold so many hats, teach, be crisis managers for kids and handle this kind of crap too. 🤬
I also remember during COVID lockdowns, once the evidence was pointing toward the virus not being as deadly for kids, the immediate rush by some to say that in-person learning should resume and without masks. Like teachers are essentially babysitters most of the time, and cannon fodder in pandemics. We exploit their love of teaching by paying them ridiculously low wages and then expect them to provide school supplies out of pocket. I don't understand these priorities.
I live in Meridian, Idaho and home of the West Ada School District. The very same school district my 2 kids attended in the early 2000's. It is heartbreaking and maddening that Sarah was forced to resign to maintain her dignity and her beliefs. I stand behind her 100% as do most people I know. I truly am disgusted with Idaho, it's ruby redness and it's "bend the knee" attitude. I know that Sarah and her colleagues (because more educators from the West Ada School District WILL resign) will find better positions with the Boise School District. Idaho continues to make the national news over and over again because of issues just like this. I'm a Minnesota Native, yup, I was born and raised in Hibbing and have family in Duluth and often wish we could just move back to a more inclusive environment. Get a sign, get a t-shirt and support Sarah and the right for all children to receive a good education in safe environment.
As a retired teacher of 35+ years, this makes me sick. I began my career in the state institution for children with severe disabilities, not long after the passage of the federal law requiring edu for all. I was practicing inclusion almost before it was a thing. I’m glad she quit, they ( the district) don’t deserve her. Sadly, the kids do. If I were still teaching, that sign would be on my door. I hope every teacher does just that.
As a 22 year educator, this story makes my heart hurt. I genuinely cannot comprehend how racist and/or exclusionary thoughts are seen as valid perspectives. It is literally my job to make every child feel seen, valued, accepted, and safe so that they can learn in my classroom. I will uphold that standard as long as I am an educator and will continue to fight for it even after I retire.
Did the school ever have the nerve to point out exactly what the offending aspect of that particular sign was? Why not give the teacher or the parents at the meeting an answer to that question or an acceptable alternative? How ridiculous and sad for everyone involved.
This was a great article to read to my eighth grader at breakfast this morning. We had a good convo (he's baffled that the sign was deemed political), and he reports that that exact sign is up in the hallway of his extremely diverse (Texas) middle school. I hope that Idaho teacher lands in a public school district with some sense.
I wonder how it would have played out if instead of quiting all the other teachers put up the same signs in solidarity.
Those students lost two great teachers. This is so disturbing.
In your poll Sharon, there was 5% who said these signs were not ok. I’m combing through comments to find out why anyone would think that way. Any reason at all. Anyone who thinks so please explain why you think that way.
Here is my opportunity to partially fix my mistake. That 5%. It’s actually lower. I misunderstood Sharon’s question and thought I was saying yes I think it’s fine. I was horrified when I realized that the question asked if I thought it was controversial. There was no way to change my answer. I’m wishing against hope that others made the same mistake and there really aren’t that many out there who think this beautiful depiction of acceptance and inclusion are taking it as a political statement.
During the elections I fear some may have thought my American flag flying on my porch was making a political statement. ?!?! How twisted both of these examples are of what is controversial.
I did the same! Horrified
I wondered that exactly!!
I accidentally hit no on the second question after answering the first
question yes. It wouldn’t let me change my answer so it doesn’t truly reflect my feelings either😥
I did this too! I forgot how the question was framed one slide later...whoops.
I did the same!
We had the All Are Welcome Here sign in our yard. My SIL made a BIG stink about it which resulted in two huge family meetings. She insists that that sign really means that conservatives are not welcome here. She said I'm naive to think otherwise, no matter how much I tried to convince her that's not what it means and that everyone is truly welcome. She says I'm putting my liberal friends and people I don't even know above family, who now don't feel welcome at my house. LOL.
Wow that’s tough! And rather ridiculous, so people can either welcome conservatives OR everyone else according to her logic? I consider myself to be pretty conservative, but I’m going to have to disagree with your SIL
I know what you mean!! One of my (ex)best friends insults those who don’t support her choice of political perspective which is ME. They are EVIL she says. Sends me clips and videos of the conservative agenda. I don’t have much to say to her since she actually believes all these divisive things that are taking place in our country are for the best outcome. 🤷🏻♀️ A conversation to try and understand each other, I fear would be disastrous.
I did the same thing (pushed the wrong button) 🤦
My first thought was yes...there are too many white hands. 🤷🏼♀️
Kathy, what poll? I don’t see one in the newsletter.
Sharon shared a link to the Preamble along with a few polls to her Instagram account.
Thank you, Amber! I had not been on Instagram all day when I asked the question. I saw the poll later.
My kids are in this school district. It is unfathomable to me that the district decided to back the principal and reinforce the idea that Everyone Is Welcome is an opinion instead of acknowledging that one of their principals believes in racist ideologies. Unfortunately, they have a long history of backing administration no matter what, and now a district that already struggles to attract teachers has lost two excellent ones, as well as disenfranchised a whole lot more.
Luckily, my kids’ schools (within the district) supported the messages on the posters through chalk messages on school sidewalks (which they left despite district instructions to remove), hanging copies of the posters throughout their schools, including in the staff room, and wearing the Everyone Is Welcome shirt on repeat, especially at events where parents were invited.
As I said, I have no idea why district and school board officials couldn’t admit that they were wrong, but at least the people who are actively responsible for educating my kids are willing to go out of their way and put their jobs on the line to make sure their students know they don’t agree. It just hurts that they had to do so.
I live in a state where they're trying to hang the 10 Commandments in every classroom, but THESE are controversial?? What kind of upside down are we living in?
I very much appreciate that Sharon has asked people to point to the hands who aren't welcome. Tell us who. We are waiting.
Also, can absolutely confirm that this Louisianaian purchased (and is wearing today) an "Everyone is welcome here" shirt in solidarity with these teachers.
For all the hearts that hurt when they read this, may they be moved to attend their local school board meetings and make sure their teachers hear their support.
This makes me so sad. How is it that the same people who grew up learning and teaching the song 'Jesus Loves the Little Children' are doing the exact opposite? What happened?
As a mother of four and a healthcare provider for over 17 years, I’ve seen how essential it is for children to feel safe and seen. What happened in Sarah Inama’s classroom is not just about posters, it’s about what we’re willing to erase to avoid discomfort. When a sign saying "Everyone is welcome here" becomes controversial, we’ve already lost the thread. Children understand these messages deeply. They notice when inclusion is removed and silence takes its place. Calling that message political is a deflection. The truth is, if welcoming all kids is up for debate, what are we really saying about who belongs?
Public education should affirm every child’s dignity. If our policies cannot hold space for that, then it’s the policies that need to change.
You are right, and something that stands out to me reading your comment is that the discomfort being avoided is for people who look and think a certain way and have decided that matters most. It’s terrible that enough Americans are willing to side with that thinking that we end up here.
💯this!!
More good people lost because of stupid rules and ideas coming from the "top." Many more problems are being caused than solved by these stupid regulations! I'm so fed up. Kindness and common sense seem to have disappeared.
Is this the point? It seems like another attempt to destroy public education. If they make it so difficult to be a teacher or to run a school (from funding being pulled by vouchers or threats) then good people quit and schools close. Stay and fight or leave? I think all of us will be faced with this question under this administration if we haven’t already.
I do think this is the point, yes. We have to look at it as intentional in order to fight it, I think. None of it is a mistake or an oversight.