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To the editor:
As Americans, we are free to support different causes. However, as angry words and acts of violence increase, it is sad to see respect for others and their beliefs declining.
Juneteenth was recently observed to emphasize every person, regardless of color or race, should be treated with equal respect. July Fourth is also a time to be thankful for the freedoms stated in our country's constitution -- freedoms that allow us to speak our thoughts and to have our beliefs respected by others.
June is now Gay Pride month. There are individuals who approve of gay and lesbian relationships and those who do not, either because of their culture or their faith in God's Word. We know there are differences in our political parties, too. What is disheartening is to hear words of disrespect and see actions that disrespect the beliefs of others.
On Aug. 2, 2021, the Marshall Independent reported the settlement of the Pride flag lawsuit stating, "Marshall Public School agrees to take down the flag display in the Middle School cafeteria."
The flag display included the Pride flag. The lawsuit had stated the Pride flag was not "viewpoint neutral." How disheartening to learn from a parent that the Pride flag remains in the Middle School in a glass display case. A staff member thought it had been removed from the school last year.
Yes, a club can have a display, but according to the settlement wording, what is displayed cannot be "offensive" or you might say, " disrespectful of another's beliefs.
The Marshall School Board declined to respond to my concern that the Pride flag was moved to another place in the school without open communication with parents, staff, and the community. Or that the Pride flag does not "support all learners" which is the Board's mission statement goal. It is my hope that this matter can be respectfully resolved with input from others.
It is our American flag of red, white and blue that unites us as Americans, despite differences of culture, color or creed, and reminds us that each person is a person to care about. Let it be so.
Trudy Madetzke
Marshall