EDITORIAL
A strange thing happened on the way to an all-out discussion about the recent incident at Hays High. This newspaper was told it caused readers to feel “unsafe.”
The incident in question involved the resignation of a black teacher whose door was desecrated by two students during “Saturday” school. Racist inferences were posted on the school door and urine was reportedly splashed there as well. The Hays Free Press covered the story, and continued the discussion regarding racism in the Hays district and what people think about the situation in a survey.
We will continue to cover this story as well. Hays CISD Superintendent Jeremy Lyon is investigating not only the incident, but the chain of events for reporting the vandalism. When information is available, the Hays Free Press will report on it.
So, why the drama? Is reporting about this causing divisiveness, as one reader says? Why report on our poll that was posted on our website?
A newspaper’s responsibility is to report the news, allow a space for public comments and discussion, and to bring these kind of stories to the attention of the public. Use of a non-scientific survey is commonly used in all kinds of businesses to gather insight. While they might not represent the entire community, they show reactions, they cause discussions.
But do they cause fear? Should someone feel unsafe because of such a poll? Surely not.
Democracy in the United States works when there is open discussion. Compromises work when two sides get together and find some kind of common ground. Open discussion can also be used as a teaching tool, in this case teaching about the wrongs of racism, the problems that symbols of racism cause, and the ensuing environment when racism – even subtle racism – continues unchecked.
As for the newspaper, we are offering a platform for people to talk.
How do we personally feel about this incident? Despite the misguided accusations of one particular reader, we fought to end the use of the Confederate flag many years ago. This newspaper did stories more than 15 years ago about the possibility of changing the flag, the fight song, the mascot.
The owner of this newspaper had a cross burned in the family yard because of the newspaper’s fight against racism. We have repeatedly pointed out that Jack C. Hays was not a Rebel, but rather a Ranger. The newspaper owners’ forefathers fought for the Union – despite having lived on Onion Creek near Buda.
So, how we feel about this incident is that we land squarely against racism and the actions of these students.
How we deal with the situation as a newpaper is to encourage teaching moments, discussions about the problems, and continued coverage about how the school district deals with the fallout.
That’s the bottom line.
