I am a former teacher and coach in the Gilroy Unified School
District and a current parent of three children who attend Gilroy
Unified School District schools.
Dear Editor,
I am a former teacher and coach in the Gilroy Unified School District and a current parent of three children who attend Gilroy Unified School District schools. My purpose is to outline my concerns and trepidations regarding the incident that occurred between Everett Alvarez High and Gilroy High School boys basketball contest on Jan. 20 at GHS.
This was not just an “incident” that we push to the side and say it was done in the heat of competition or put it off as “kids being kids.” Let’s call it as it was – and it is a racial/racist incident – an incident that goes to the core of our nation, a dark and bleak time with our civil liberties that seems to keep rearing its horrific and ugly head.
I will be very blunt, I don’t like to use the phrase, “alleged incident” when there was an obvious altercation between two teams. I understand when there is an altercation between people, there needs to be a process that is fair to all involved even the “alleged perpetrator.” But when we use that phrase, we as society tend to let the “alleged incident” be swept under the rug with minimal repercussions, disciplinary actions or educating of all involved.
It’s very ironic that this dreadful and appalling racial incident happened the week before we honor Martin Luther King Jr. and inaugurate our first African-American president. It’s also ironically sad, distressful and heartbreaking that it happened between two teams with a wide variety of individuals who are of multiple ethnicities. On the court many ethnicities were represented: Hispanics, Asians, Whites, African-Americans and many who are of multiple ethnicities.
I am very concerned with the racist/racial incident that occurred during the game. More importantly, I am very concerned there will be a “sweeping under the rug” when it comes to all involved or minimal repercussions or education to the perpetrator or the victims involved. I am not asking to know what or who was disciplined, that is between the academic institutions and their students. I can only pray that the “right” thing was done. But a letter of an apology and suspensions are only the beginning.
What I am asking for is all the persons involved, mainly the commissioner’s office of the Tri-County Athletic League and the administration of both schools involved, to turn this into a positive. What about continued awareness and education on the subject of racism? Continued lessons need to be taught and learned. Does society, more specifically kids, learn from a slap on the wrist? Do they learn from a “forced” letter of apology? Do they learn from a suspension?
These are steps in the right direction, but not enough by any means.
We as educated adults, teachers, administrators, and parents can turn this into a positive. We start by not letting this incident be an afterthought. Don’t let this be just a blip on the radar. Let’s put into place some standards that require mandatory seminars and or classes to all involved. Let’s stop this ignorance, let’s help educate our present and future leaders. Let’s be proactive instead of reactive. Let’s honor Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama by doing the right thing.
I believe a board of individuals, to include parents, coaches, teachers, administrators, referees and league officials from the community, needs to be gathered and charged with putting together a plan that institutes awareness and eradication of racism in our classrooms, playing fields and in the community. The plan should be extensive and complete with clear disciplinary actions and clear educational goals for all involved.
I pray that the administration and league involved will do the right thing. But let’s take this one step further so we can further eliminate this dark and bleak time in on our society.
Michael Baumgartner, Gilroy
Dog park complainer clearly doesn’t see the big picture
Dear Editor,This is in response to “A lot to bark about.” You’re complaining about having no park for people in your area, that the prioritizing was wrong to install the dog park at Las Animas Park.
Why would the two be mutually exclusive? Open your eyes and visit. I did, the other day, with my puppy (rescued). Yes, the dogs were having a blast. But you know what, so were the FAMILIES there with their dogs.
Looking around the rest of the park, the majority of people were families, visiting with friends and neighbors, creating “community”. Advantages? How about civic pride, crime prevention, neighbors helping neighbors, you get the idea. All of this benefits our community for any aspect.
Cheryl Pritchett, Gilroy
Keep Gilroy a ‘wonderful family town’ – no strip club, please
Dear Editor,
Please!!! Let’s keep Gilroy the wonderful family town it is – NO STRIP CLUB!!! Help, not hurt, our families!
Joyce Taylor, Gilroy
Appreciated the ‘wonderful article’ highlighting service of young people
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the wonderful article by Kat Teraji on one of the many service projects our girls do. I worked for the Gilroy School District for 25 years, 18 of those years at Gilroy High School. With both parents having to work in this day and times, young people need a safe and secure environment with positive role models, not Brittany Spears.
We try to teach our girls the “Golden Rule,” self-respect for themselves and others, leadership, organization, public speaking, and the knowledge that are put on this earth to give back, not just to exist. I think your article let Gilroy know there is something good happening with young people.
Thank you so much for letting the community know about us.
Pat Gewin, Gilroy Rainbow Girls
