In spending the last month petitioning I've experienced many highs and lows. What was once an inspiring mission to create change in my community has begun to feel like a waste of people's time. What I assumed was basic humanity and empathy is apparently more polarizing than anticipated. To prevent inconveniencing anyone else I've decided to end my efforts to convince Opportunity Village to abolish their bag policy and address their history of discrimination through its enforcement. 

Unfortunately this experience has taught me that more people appear to be upset by potential theft and loss of profit than they are by dehumanization and prejudice. I believe the real thieves are the rich and powerful who keep the people who make them their millions and billions poor, which often leads them to lives of crime and theft. Rather than address this, people and businesses choose to continue pointing the finger at the poor, blaming them for their circumstances rather than the broken social systems that resulted in their poverty. 

To continue seeking reform and accountability from an organization that is so emboldened by their participation in dehumanization and discrimination appears to be a fruitless effort. It is apparently impossible to change the mind of those at Opportunity Village who are hellbent on perpetuating ignorance, prejudice, and the persecution of marginalized people. Thank you to everyone who has supported this petition so far, and I extend my apologies if my decision to no longer continue is one that is disappointing to anyone involved. At least we tried. ♥️