Teachers and everyone need to stand up and speak out.
They need to have the conversation – first with themselves, then others – to let people know where they stand. The number of people that say “I don’t want to make the news” in fear rubs me the wrong way, although I completely understand the sentiment.
We are Americans that have freedom of speech. We are all responsible for our words and actions; but if we are silent now, how can we take pride in what we believe when it’s easy?
We show who we are in the moments of trial. This is a moment of trial.
Listen to others, speak your truth, and expect criticism. Like any muscle, we must continue to develop our ability to stand strong for what we believe and be there for each other in community when we find ourselves attacked for what we believe.
We can no longer be afraid to speak up in meetings. If there is something or someone that you love that is under attack, now is your time to lead. Even something as simple as saying, “I disagree” without further explanation can begin to curb the worst excesses we may soon experience.
Let me make the news, and let us stand as shield for one another. We have a right to free speech, we have a the right to pursue a more perfect union, and I will fight along side my brothers and sisters of this country for these rights. We will not be silent. We are the United States of America. We are Americans.