In response to current events within the community, we feel the need to speak up about the general reaction to concerned parents who have been left to take things into their own hands. It’s not the fact that the issue came up, it’s that parents who have questioned authority and asked for accountability we’re vilified, attempted to be silenced, and just generally treated poorly by a community that emphasizes loving our community and our kids.
Just because parents have chosen to stand up for their family values and be involved in the education of their children (humbly admitting they weren’t involved in the past when they should have been) does not mean they’re out to divide the community. Unfortunately, much of the division has come via the response, through misunderstanding and misinterpretation, and in turn has resulted in the mocking and vilifying of parents who have concerns and have decided to be active because they were not being heard by the school itself. And yet, many of those same people/groups who are frustrated with the involved parents are calling for unity in the community during this time.Â
Perhaps to achieve that, it would be worth talking to actual people involved instead of solely relying on Letters to the Editor, news outlets, and biased, defensive perspectives. Do your OWN investigation. I see a lot of talking with little to no effort to understand. There are real people behind these issues with very valid reasons for why they’re doing what they are. Many people you all know and love, many graduates of Weiser schools. Get to know the why behind their actions. Things aren’t always as they seem, and you might have something to learn. It’s becoming increasingly obvious when people don’t know what’s really going on yet choose a side anyway. Sadly, all that does is emphasize a “go along to get along” system that avoids the discomfort of addressing issues in necessary ways.
In our not too distant history, we’ve witnessed fascist groups take over countries beginning in subtle ways like silencing parents and removing their authority under the guise of “getting along.” Weiser has long wanted parental involvement in schools, so the response can’t be, “Not THAT kind of involvement” or “Not TOO MUCH involvement.” Parents have officially reached out but weren’t taken seriously, have now been vilified, and are being blamed for division…when in all actuality, much of the division is coming from the response. Instead of dealing the issues at hand, it’s been turned into political and personal attack on concerned parents. This is despite the fact that most of them continue to speak highly of the educators and much of the staff within the Weiser School District.
Respect is a two way street. Kindness often exists without being recognized. Make sure you’re not missing what’s really happening just because some voices in Weiser are louder than others.
