Dear School Board, Stop Being Small-Minded
Start writing a post
Sports

Dear School Board, Stop Being Small-Minded

Reality is calling.

20
Dear School Board, Stop Being Small-Minded
Mashable.com

My name is Abbey Fritts. You do not know me, mainly because I'm not rich, I wasn't a popular, all-star athlete and my family doesn't have any political pull here. I graduated from Union County High last year, May of 2015. My education from this school was different. Needless to say, this school offered great teachers. I will forever be thankful for Mrs. Handsard and the theatre department. This auditorium will forever be my home. Also I will be thankful for Mrs. Middleton, who showed me that yes, math is used in everyday life. Just look at my statistics grade. There is one more teacher I'll forever be thankful for: Mr. Richeson, whom most of us are here for today. Mr. Richeson was one of, if not the most, inspiring teachers at this school. He cares for his students, even after they graduate. I learned more in his psychology class in one semester than I did in my entire three years prior at Union County.

Prior to my senior year, I was the victim of an assault by someone I knew. Because of this, I became paranoid of having people behind me or a door to my back. I knew that many teachers would enforce assigned seating. And with the last name of Fritts, there was little to no chance that I would have a back row seat. Psychology, along with Government, were safe havens. I knew that in that classroom, I was safe. Fortunately for me, my attacker went to a different school. However, the fear was still there.

Now, I am straight, and my attacker was at a different school. Unfortunately, for some students, this is not the case. Yet Mr. Richeson's classroom was a haven for them as well. Unfortunately, that safe haven no longer exists "because of small-town politics." Forgive the bluntness, but this is the biggest load of bull I've ever heard. This case is not about small-town politics. This is a case about a small, conservative town refusing to accept new ideas. The repercussions of Mr. Richeson's "non-renewal" will be worse than what your pastor will say about your school having a GSA. Students will be persecuted for their sexuality or their alliance to the LGBT community. And because the anti-bullying rules are "so strict" in this school, these kids will be in fear of their lives because of the beloved teacher that fought for their equality and safety will not be there this August.

Union County is in the heart of the Bible Belt. And yes, the Bible is brought up in this issue. Well, since the church-and-state line has been blurred so much, I'll bring it up. Yes, the Bible says homosexuality is a sin. However, so is coveting from your neighbor. And didn't the bookkeeper steal over thirty thousand dollars from the school, not even six months ago?

Mr. Richeson is a level five teacher with no disciplinary actions. He actually cares for his students.

Stop hiding behind the bible. Give this top teacher his job back.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53795
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34631
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957052
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181734
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments