In the area surrounding Lake Park High School, many students have the privilege of living a life sheltered from the harsh realities of injustice. The area, which is predominantly white, is able to ignore many of the issues that plague much of the nation. This "bubble," however, is incredibly conducive to ignorance.

Upon entering high school, students are exposed to a greater variety of cultures and students. Many adjust accordingly, using the plethora of resources around them to contextualize and understand the swath of experiences of students at Lake Park. Others never adapt, upholding the sheltered, and often times prejudiced, mindset that their upbringing has awarded them. In a world that is more connected than ever, it's time to bridge this gap. Our diverse students can no longer afford to live in fear of ignorance.

For these reasons, I petition that Lake Park High School institutes a diversity and inclusion course as part of the Freshman Orientation experience. The course should cover different ethnic, racial, religious, and sexual minorities and demonstrate why ALL humans deserve respect and understanding. The world isn't going to wait for the suburbs to catch up. By signing this petition, you stand in solidarity with minority groups who are often ostracized, mocked, and misunderstood in predominantly white societies. Our student minorities should not have to live among the ignorance of others, nor should they feel responsible to educate others on the injustice they face. We must cultivate a climate of acceptance no matter a person's religion, sexuality, gender, race, or ethnicity. The time to act is now!