For most of my life, my hometown was the epitome of the classic Alabama redneck stereotype. In Moody, Alabama homophobic agendas and moderate racism were amuck throughout the curriculum. But suddenly, news broke that we would be putting in separate restrooms for students who associate in the LGBTQ community.

I personally don't think it's a big deal, but many parents and alumni are outraged by the decision. Being in the bible belt, or in the south in general, can sort of overshadow the way people truly feel about this new era of movements and justice.

This decision to add these bathrooms is something as a former student, I sort of longed for. Pushing some values to the side and trying something new. Now, I'm not endorsing the specifics of the bathrooms or the way it will affect other schools around it. Just the choice to accommodate those who go to school feeling shielded off from doing a simple task.

Growing up in the Moody school system, I only had one P.O.C (Person of Color) teacher out of my twelve years of attending the schools.

This isn't a huge deal, but it stands out with the lack of diversity in any kind of way. A way that could easily be hindered by hiring more diverse teachers or at least organizations that help students express themselves in different activities.

Back in 2015, Dylann Roof constructed the deadly church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, and pictures of him had been released holding a Confederate battle flag in his backyard. At this time I was a sophomore in high school, and the first few weeks of peers waving the flags in the school parking lot and overwhelming wave of Confederate flag belt buckles.

The phrase "It's heritage, not hate" rang through the halls for about three weeks until some kids got suspended for going all out with the act of packing their lips with tip.

The point I'm trying to make is that we get caught up so immensely in issues that had either been solved years ago (Confederate Flags have no heritage value), or issues that are still being explored today(The LGBTQ bathroom situation). We need to just accept what's happening in the world and try to benefit from each other and push for a better tomorrow...Or at least that's what I was taught in school.

Moody for some reason wants to be progressive and wade into the liberal waters that many others fear to even dip a toe in.

The only question I've been asking myself after hearing this news is "What took us so long?".

I mean, why not do something that helps change the way we take in the social views of the world you're going to teach the kids in. Once again, I'm totally down with the decision to accommodate students who are still finding themselves in this confusing social climate. I want other schools or institutions to take note of this story, and learn to not be afraid of making a choice that comes with controversy.

If you want to read two opinions on this matter click on these links below.

An article by a friend of mine, and fellow Moody alumna who is for the restroom.

Another article by someone who strongly disagrees with the restroom.

Please remember that everything in this piece is just an opinion. Nothing is to offend or to be directed at any person(s).