Supremacy: Don’t let hate gain local foothold

I’ve been a substitute teacher for several years. On my watch, I see students try all kinds of behaviors. When I let things slide, they inevitably escalate.

I set the tone for what will or won’t be tolerated while I’m a guest in their classroom. Hate speech, unsafe behaviors and snide comments won’t go away if I ignore them.

It is my job to keep students safe and learning while their teacher is away. This means I have to address these behaviors firmly.

Tacoma, we are responsible for keeping each other safe. White supremacist groups are openly covering our city with anti-immigrant posters.

There are Nazi symbols showing up in tattoo shops and across from our schools.

People who are protesting our country’s cruel immigration policies outside the Northwest Detention Center have met with resistance from our city.

Tacoma, is this who we are?

White supremacy will escalate unless we respond firmly. I’s time to speak up!