To the editor:

There have been recent actions taken against the Marshall School District and the Marshall Middle School principal for allowing visibility of the LGBTQ+ flag on campus.

Those against the flag claim it is discriminating against their beliefs and isolates those that are not a part of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community — and all minority groups for that matter — have been continually belittled, pushed to the margins of society, and silenced because their voice doesn’t match the roaring of the white majority.

If there is anything that we have learned over the past few years, it is that forcing silence and refusing to open our minds and hearts to others is the real problem with our community. It is the reason that people do not feel safe in schools and in public. It is the reason that youth suicide rates are at all-time highs. It is the reason that children would rather suffer alone that to go to a trusted adult about the issues in their lives.

Why should we try to erase the progress that our school district is demonstrating by showing that all students are welcome to walk their halls, by providing that safe space our children are so desperately craving?

This proposed ‘lawsuit’ is laughable and is yet another demonstration of promoting systemic barriers to freedom and equality. I’ve had kids of the LGBTQ+ community come to me at our schools, heartbroken and defeated because they are tired of trying to prove that their existence is valid. No human should ever be put in that position.

You do not have to agree with what you’ve decided to perceive the flag to ‘stand’ for, you do not have to personally promote LGBTQ+ pride in your daily life nor your home, but no matter how you choose to live your life outside of the public arena, you must not manifest your lack of acceptance unto an institution that is meant for all.

Division is never the answer.

Doria Drost

Tracy