I have lived in Buda since 1999 and have numerous friends, even my own children, have attended Jack C Hays High School in Kyle, Texas. Their mascot is the Rebels, and I have seen the school pride that comes from saying "Rebel pride never dies".

We must look at ourselves as parents, students, alumni and other local stakeholders and understand that our high school spirit is indirectly giving us a pass to be racist to minorities in our community and beyond. 

We are in the 21st century no longer are we in segregated times and in fact we should never have been. Please use this historical moment to put actions behind our words denouncing racism in all forms. Let's respectfully role model to our children that we can look within and see the impact our passive endorsement has on others, and that we can make necessary decisions to create change.