I have never been more disappointed in the city that I was born and raised in, than I was today. I’m 43 years old and I have watched what this city has morphed into throughout my lifetime. My children however, are a different story. And this is a sad one.
Quietly slinking through the halls today, the children from conservative families felt the unspoken reality of their unwelcome presence here in Northampton Public Schools. With so many traumatic tragedies that have occurred throughout the short lives of our community’s children, our schools have always acknowledged the fear, anxiety, anger and sadness they could potentially feel during school hours and expressed how empathy and compassion are essential. Services and a listening ear were always at the ready if anyone needed it. Letters and emails were sent home within hours of the event. Today however, many of our children, my children, walked into school scared and anxious. Knowing their sadness or their pain was not on anyone’s radar. In fact, they were worried about being ridiculed and mocked. We all know the event, but apparently we don’t all think this a tragedy.
Though we are more ubiquitous in this city than it likes to admit, today our children were ignored, unsupported and unimportant because in this city, we aren’t on the right side – because we are on the right side.
Shame on this school system for proving to our children what Northampton really is — welcoming, supportive and caring — just as long as you’re on the popular team.
Valerie Podolak
Plainfield