OPEN LETTER from BETH SHEPARD
Beth Shepard (WHS 1987, kindergartner's parent)
An Open Letter from Beth Shepard:
I was born and raised in Wheatland, Wyoming as was my father and both of my grandparents. I have always been proud to call Wheatland my hometown. When I became a parent I could think of no other place I would want to raise my son. I now question my decision. I do not want to raise my son in an environment where any kind of prejudice will be openly tolerated. School, like ones home, should be a safe place for kids to explore their individuality and have that individuality nurtured.
The Platte County School board’s decision to remove the No Place for Hate banners from our schools has effectively nurtured an environment of hostility not only within our schools, but also within our community. The members of the board have in essence told the entire community, if you are not like me or think like me you are a lesser human being. How does that translate to the rest of the region and the rest of the country?
Our School district is losing families to other communities like it in Colorado and Wyoming. When a new company comes into our town do you think they are looking for a community that openly accepts intolerance? What about new families moving in or even keeping families here? Did you think of these consequences when you made your decision?
The larger problem is the board completely disregarded the work and effort of the staff and students of West Elementary and Wheatland High School. The banners are a badge of honor that these schools can wear with pride. In order to receive a banner the students and staff of each school have to spend a year completing a checklist and ensure that the school’s community is working to combat hatred and abuse among the students. These students worked hard on this program and are very proud of what they have achieved over the last year. Only 25 schools were funded for this program and Wheatland, a community of 3300 people, had 2 schools in the program.
Our school board, instead of commending the students’ hard work, slammed it in their faces. The board is an entity that should be encouraging educational growth. These bright and ambitious children are going to go to college and become amazing adults who will not wish to come back to Wheatland to share their knowledge and talents. Other communities will prosper from the best and brightest Wheatland has to offer. Shame on you, PCSD #1, for negating all that these kids have accomplished and making Wheatland all the poorer with your decision.
The Anti-Defamation League, whose motto is “to stop the defamation of Jewish people…To secure justice for all,” has no subversive intent. The message of the program is clear, NO PLACE FOR HATE. By focusing on one of the many sponsors of this program the board has illustrated exactly why this program is so desperately needed in our community.
Beth (Shepard) Hendon, WHS Class of 1987, Parent to Current Kindergardener
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