Hello everyone!

I just read through your comments and they are so uplifting. As some of you know, the response in our community has been quite dramatic. I had no idea how attached some grown ups are to a Middle School mascot. Or, perhaps it’s more accurate to say: To this particular mascot. There is a counter petition to keep the mascot and the comments on that petition are mostly ad hominem attacks against me - as expected from people who want to keep a racist mascot. 

Some of you are upset that the other petition has received a LOT more support, so I want to clarify:

It is not a competiton. To me, changing the mascot is merely symbolic, a gesture, a long overdue step in the right direction. More actions need to follow. The curriculum needs to change. Our children need to learn the truth about America’s history. 

Speaking of truth:

Truthfully, I did not expect this kind of backlash. I am told that because I am not from here (I have lived in this town for 12 years and in the US for almost 20), it is not my place to try to change things. To stir up trouble. I am told I should move my communist ass back to Austria. People have called my work place to get me fired. Others have shown up on my social media to say nasty things. They say even nastier things behind my back.

I disagree that it’s not my place to speak up.

We all have voices and we should all use them to stand up for what is right, especially when it is a difficult topic that everyone avoids. I am honored to have your support and I am sending lots of love your way.

In solidarity,

Julia