Costumes no surprise

Middleton, Idaho: the costume debacle doesn’t surprise me ( “‘Insensitive’ and ‘inappropriate’ costumes worn by Idaho school staff prompts investigation,” Nov. 3). That they got caught does.

Those involved feel insulated from rebuke because they believe their actions are acceptable in this “era of Trump.” They’ve bestowed upon themselves a false sense of security and empowerment that allow ‘true colors’ to show. Make no mistake, they knew full well what they were doing. It wasn’t a team-building activity. It was racism and ‘a lemming activity’.

My personal experience with “insulationism” was experienced in a small school district, where tenured teachers huddled after school discussing in derogatory terms, unmarried parents’ relationships. Where a teacher protects their student from discipline who has pushed down another student, because that student is a board member’s child. A mass email sent out lauding a politician’s praise of a transgendered restroom bill not passing. Public remarks making fun of students who are sponsoring protecting wildlife on “the west side.”

Yes, this is a culture problem. Sensitivity training will not suffice. It will garner rolling eyes and “when will this waste of time end?” It will take “don’t let the door hit you on the way out” to teach this bunch.

Middleton, Idaho: Tear down that wall!

Morgan Wade

Spokane