Let's Change This

The past few months have been crazy at my school. If you were to read up on Gig Harbor High, you would see negative headlines. One that seemed to take over the others was about an incident that occurred at a basketball game at Lincoln High School in December.  

A white Gig Harbor High School student directed “racially charged” language at a black Lincoln basketball player. The Gig Harbor student was suspended from school for a week. But the student was still allowed to attend basketball games.  

This was just the second time in my four years of high school that someone was disciplined for racist behavior, but this is what it took. It took a racist act at a public event at another high school for a student to receive repercussions. Even before this, there were similar incidents at public events.  

I’ve talked with people about this incident. They were mainly confused about it. I think that’s because of a lack of education on the history of such language. They heard what the student at the game said and, to them, it wasn’t the worst thing. They also thought it was odd the student got punished since, to them, it wasn’t an issue.  

They need to understand. But we, as people who want to create a safe environment for all students, also need to understand their experiences, perceptions and opinions. 

During all of this, the Peninsula School District publicly apologized. Our principal, Michele Suitor, explained her thoughts on the situation in the weekly newsletter for students and families. 

She wrote, “We have now come to a place where we place judgments so quickly on kids. When they fail, make mistakes, or make a bad choice, we effectively cancel them. And this, this is alarming to me.” 

My first reaction was not about how reassuring the district was trying to be. But I can understand that, yes, young people make mistakes. Our principal was being supportive and comforting a student. She also said, “Our kids are trying so hard to figure out what is OK and not OK and what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.” 

I didn’t know that students didn’t know that it’s not OK to racially target black students. The school district’s mission statement talks about “nurturing culture that fosters a true sense of belonging” and ensuring students become “engaged global citizens.” Wouldn’t you think that means they are teaching students how to do just that? To interact with people of different backgrounds? To make sure that all students feel safe at school. 

When I see inequality, I want to do right. When I hear discrimination, it weighs me down. It weighs me down mentally and physically. It weighs down the progress that I want. The progress is important, it gives hope. The progress is continuing what my ancestors started. 

My ancestors fought to end segregation. My ancestors were called every name in the book. My ancestors were violently attacked. My ancestors, oh, if they could see me now. 

If they could see me at a white high school. If they could see the opportunities I have to thrive in this country. If they could see that I am not discriminated against because of the color of my skin. 

For the most part. 

I think the color of my skin still matters to people. The color of my skin triggers stereotypes about me. The color of my skin makes me feel empathetic for people with my skin color and with yours, too. 

My ancestors would be wondering why I still have to fight for my rights after 1964. 

Why do some atmospheres still feel like Jackie Robinson going up to the plate? 

Why can’t we change this? 

We need to change this. 

Let’s change this. 

Let us. 

Not for just you or me. 

For us. When I say “us,” I truly mean “us.” It’s going to take all students to foster a more inclusive and non-prejudicial environment.

It takes people to make change, more so than a group that already has power. There are policies in place to ensure that school environments are safe and fair for all. But if administrations aren’t going to fully enforce them, it’s up to students to speak up and do something about it. 

James McCourt is a senior at Gig Harbor High School. He lives in Vaughn. 

Any bullying or safety concerns can be reported anonymously to HearMeWA. Call 888-537-1634, text 738477, or report online at https://www.psd401.net/22370 for support.