Diet culture is insidious. It's that little voice that tells us our worth is tied to the number on the scale or the size of our clothes. You might recognize some of this from your own life, or maybe you've seen it in people around you. Reciting calorie counts, starting fresh on Mondays, owning clothes in multiple sizes, avoiding mirrors—these are issues all too common. But what if we could change that for the next generation? I believe we can.

Waco schools need to become a safe haven where diet culture doesn't dictate the narrative. Instead, let's focus on promoting body positivity and fostering a healthy relationship with food and ourselves. Students deserve to learn in an environment that celebrates diverse bodies and encourages intuitive eating. By tackling this issue early, we can help prevent a lifetime of struggles associated with body image and dieting.

Many young people struggle silently, believing they're not "bad enough" to deserve help or thinking they need to hit rock bottom first. Our schools should be places where students know they are seen, heard, and supported. By integrating programs and curricula that highlight body positivity and dismantling diet myths, we can offer them a sense of safety and pride in who they are.

The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards can overshadow a student’s academic and personal achievements. Children should focus on learning and growing, not battling inner critics during class. We must connect with educators and community leaders to create a culture of acceptance and kindness in our schools.

Join me in helping Waco schools to end the influence of diet culture and replace it with a commitment to body positivity and self-acceptance. Please sign this petition to help create a healthier and more inclusive environment for our students. Together, we can make a lasting change.