Ripple Effect

I've been mulling. It's what I do.

We have had quite a week at Claire's school with it being "Unity Week" and what a firestorm it turned out to be. The administration pitted against parents; students bullying other students while certain members of the teaching staff had their way with an agenda that was disrespectful and frightening.

When parents were first contacted by the school about this "Unity Week" it was to be about celebrating diversity. That makes sense for a large private school of boys and girls which holds 60+ passports. In the end it was about promoting PRIDE. There was no discussion about bullying, acceptance, religious tollerance or ratial understanding.

I voiced my concerns to the school on three occasions. Once to Claire's home form advisor when we were informed of the event; when a note was sent to the students (not parents) regarding a support side (read: pornographic); and, in response to Claire's home form teacher who is concerned that I am not receiving the responses I want.

Bottom line:

I’m tremendously disappointed with the execution of the whole event. I am not disappointed in the topic – just it’s miniscule scope and how it was done. If it actually had not been sexual orientation based – but based on acceptance of gender, race, religion and a whole host of other, to my view, more important issues. In Claire’s lifetime, remember, she's only 12, she will meet far more people of different races and religions than she ever will people living a gay lifestyle.

There are times, like this week, that I don't think some people who have exposure to young minds are aware of just how much influence they have, not just now, but in years to come.

There is a ripple effect.