Hampden Academy students target hate speech

Editor’s Note: Student Union is written by students at Hampden Academy, Brewer High School, John Bapst Memorial High School, Old Town High School, MDI High School, Ashland Community High School and Schenck High School in East Millinocket. The weekly column is a joint effort among the schools, the Bangor Daily News and Acadia Hospital. This week’s column was written by a Hampden Academy student. Their adviser is Matthew Moon.

In light of the Columbine school shooting, steady increases in school violence nationwide and recent demonstrations in Lewiston, it seems there is a more urgent need than ever to uncover the roots of violence and hate in our society. Student representatives and the Civil Rights Team, under the guidance of school officials, have joined together in the past few weeks to explore the causes of violence in one of several planned safety presentations.

Last week, in an extended homeroom period, those volunteer representatives introduced the first topic: hate speech, or student use of degrading words directed at racial, religious and sexual differences. Using students’ opinions and input, the presenters addressed some specific problems and concerns they have for the safety and welfare of students. In a controversial game that evoked various reactions from participants, common derogatory words were distributed on index cards and exchanged until each person felt comfortable with the words they received. With the remaining time, presenters also suggested ways of dealing with such real-life situations and positive courses of action that can be taken if such a scenario should arise.

As a student, I feel that there is a safe and conducive learning atmosphere already in place at Hampden Academy. However, since the presentations, I have noticed how often hateful or inappropriate words are used in the school setting. On a more positive note, I also have realized an increase in the willingness and courage of students in combating these issues themselves, letting their friends and peers know that they find certain words offensive.

Resident police officer Cpl. Christian Bailey commented that just as in any other school, such words are used, and that the point of these presentations is to “create a safer school environment.” Bailey also commented that when such issues do arise, “we deal with them aggressively, from both a disciplinary and educational standpoint.”

In the future, Hampden Academy plans to address students’ responsibilities toward school violence and drugs in an effort to continue to promote student safety and a positive environment. More can be expected at HA by using faculty knowledge, health classes and alternative programs.

The intention of these presentations is to help students to realize that words and jokes, although meant innocently, can have a negative impact. “I am very concerned about [hate speech] because schools are a reflection of what is happening in society,” Bailey said. My hope is that future programs will cultivate a feeling of understanding and a celebration of our differences in future generations.