“If you see racism, speak up.” –The Unfair Campaign

    As of this past January, the Duluth community launched a new anti-racism campaign. The “Unfair Campaign” is intended to draw attention to the advantages white people enjoy that may be due to their skin color. The release of edgy posters and billboards were tactics used to bring attention to the campaign and the issue of racism.

    Racism is an issue most people don’t care to discuss; however, this doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Racism is a complex social issue that is still alive in society today, and not talking about it only fuels the issue to continue. The campaign is hoping to expand the dialogue about the cause, problems, and effects of racism. Hopefully, this dialogue will also arouse some solutions.

    While asking a group of ten Proctor High School students if they believe racism is an issue in our school, nine said they didn’t believe it was a major issue; however, one student said, “It could be- especially for anyone with a different ethnic background and maybe foreign exchange students.”

    “Unfortunately, racism is still an issue,” said Tracy Gellatly, “We’ve made great strives since the Civil Rights Movement, but it’s still around today. People have a way of being pre-judgmental, and some hold onto old-school beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation.”

    Mrs. G also shared that the number of racist bullying incidents in PHS are low, but even just one incident is of high moral matter. If a student suffers from racist bullying- or any kind of bullying for that matter- they can find much support from the Guidance Office and school counselors. Discrimination is not tolerated at PHS and will be stopped with a 3-strike policy. If a student is reported 3 times or more for acts of harassment, discrimination, or bullying to Mrs. Morin, Mr. Rohweder, or other school officials, they will be expelled.  If a student feels uncomfortable talking to an official, they should seek help from any trusted adult.

    “My daughter is African American. She was always intelligent, wonderful, and well-liked throughout high school. We have faced racism first-hand. Racism can often be tricky and subtle, but sometimes it’s direct- and it hurts,” Mrs. Gellatly continued, “There is room for a lot growth, understanding, and acceptance.”

    The hope to end racism is high, not only within our school, but also globally. We have had plenty of history lessons proving the damages of racism. We must be tolerant of our differences and work to expand that mentality. Our society has enough problems as it is, so let’s not repeat old ones. Let’s move past racism and celebrate our diversity – not divide ourselves up.