When I was a junior in high school, I was sent an email one day from my Spanish teacher/Student Council advisor that said I was recommended for a program called Elevating Student Voices. I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity and thought it was amazing for the few students who were selected to share their voice with other students. We were chosen for a reason; we advocate for others and are leaders. Throughout the year, I, along with 3 other members from my district, wanted to pinpoint what we realized needed to be changed in our school. One of the other members (a senior at the time) told us that her mom received backlash for posting our school logo with an ally flag for Pride Month, on our school district’s account that she ran. We thought this was absurd, since the post ended up being taken down.
This news didn’t sit right with me. During my senior year, exactly a year ago, we wanted to really celebrate other cultures at our school because it is important, especially for the students who aren’t being recognized. Our plan was to create posters that related to each month/theme and put them in the library along with a book stand with related books.
Towards the middle of September, the Hispanic Heritage Month stand was up! Initially, people didn’t notice because I don’t think that many people read or, let alone, get a book from the library (at my school at least). A few days later, staff members started telling us that it was an amazing idea and great that our librarian collaborated with us! We were proud to see some of the books were gone a few days later. Even if the stand didn’t catch every student’s eye, those who did notice it learned something new about a culture other than theirs. For me, it was fascinating to research the information I put on the posters.
I have learned that instead of focusing on those who didn’t participate, it is worth your time to applaud those who did show up and took a small part out of their day to demonstrate appreciation. The book stands continued throughout the year with themes like awareness for mental health, World Kindness Day, and pride in June. Hispanic Heritage Month was a fantastic beginning to witnessing students become more open-minded and appreciative. Â
My district is extremely rural, not very racially diverse, and quite small compared to some of our local schools, which means representation is even more necessary. We in society can’t diminish certain groups just because a faction doesn’t support them. The disappointing news I heard as a 16-year-old should hit even harder as a grown adult that not only thought of, but posted, such a harmful comment on their child’s school’s Facebook page.
My main message isn’t to hate those who demanded that the Pride Month post be taken down, but to support those who need to be recognized. Cultures need to be recognized when hardships have been faced, and there is a reason why they are highlighted. So, let’s celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, as they have and are currently needing our support. Let’s break the stigma of celebrating each other.