We condemn the recent vandalism at Bonneville Elementary School. Spray-painted swastikas, “KKK” and “anti-pride” all evoke fear and intimidate specific groups.
Children who view these vicious scrawls may be confused by unfamiliar graffiti, but their parents and teachers, who must explain it, will not be. They will know that there are angry, misinformed people who believe threats that frighten children and intimidate teachers serve some useful purpose. They don’t. They only serve to make some children feel they don’t belong, plant the seeds of prejudice in others, and persuade teachers to work even harder to have students appreciate, respect, and, when necessary, defend their classmates.
Hate has no place here, especially in schools. To curb these frequent, flagrant hateful acts all of us must speak up and stand up against them. How
- Speak with your family about what these symbols and phrases signal and why they are unacceptable. Be a positive example.
- When you hear something offensive, tell the person that those words only instill or reinforce prejudice. Hateful actions are often preceded by unchecked hateful speech.
- Work with your employer to build norms of respect and inclusion.
- If a neighbor or local institution has experienced a hate incident, reach out so they know they are not alone and unsupported. Minority communities are strengthened when others stand with them.
- Most importantly, if you hear, see, or experience a hate incident report it to the police. You can even report anonymously.
Reports are essential to find perpetrators and support victims. To report, call 801-799-3000 in Salt Lake City, 801-743-7000 in Salt Lake County or 435-615-5500 in Park City.
To learn more about the Community Partners Against Hate or see our resource booklet go towww.shalomutah.org/community-partners.
We can make our state one where there is no place for hate.
Liz Paige, Associate Director of the United Jewish Federation of Utah, Jay Jacobson, Chair of Community Partners Against Hate
