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.
