On Wednesday, December 2nd, my school, Hayfield Secondary School, celebrated "Country Club Day" as part of a spirit week to increase school spirit. Students came to school with button shirts, sweater vests, and dresses. But something felt off. I found this problematic: Hayfield has one of the most diverse student bodies, with days such as International Night, where hundreds of cultures are represented. We are not only proud of diversity; we celebrate it. But country clubs do not in any way promote diversity. 

Country clubs are seen as the pre-cursor to the gated community; the physical manifestation of income inequality. But the most sinister disunity perpetuated by country clubs is that of racial discrimination. Up until the around the 1990's, country clubs routinely and systematically denied membership to people of color. Most changed policies after the civil rights movement, but some still had secret white-only policies. Highland Park country club in Dallas, Texas, founded in 1896, only just admitted its first African-American member in 2014. Many other clubs are still skewed to have extreme majorities of white membership.

I do not think this checkered history should be brought near Hayfield. We are not an exclusive school with gates and membership fees. We are a public institution, not a private enterprise based on the income or race of a person. 

Some people may think it is just a spirit day and I am overreacting.

Our spirit days should bring people together looking toward the future, not the past. Spirit days should be "Plant a Tree Day" where the student body gets together and plants trees. "Tutor a Friend Day" where students help each other academically. "Psychology Day" where students can dress in suits and carry around academic binders while giving self-help tips to friends and strangers alike.

We need to be there for each other and promote unity. And I do not see how a country club themed day does that. Hawks should soar - not perform swam dives to the ground. 

I would like to thank the Student Government, the student body, our principal, Mr. Grimm, and everyone else for promoting a better school environment. Thank you.