Dear School Board, Stop Being Small-Minded | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Dear School Board, Stop Being Small-Minded

Reality is calling.

24
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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179324
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6478
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451964
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22983
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments