22 Comments
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Andrea Bass's avatar

Resistance can look like protesting, voting, boycotting, and marching, but it can also look like a sign welcoming students and a table full of stickers and washi tape. All of it matters. I’m thankful to participate in some of this work beside you and other colleagues who keep me hopeful.

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

🥰 Same! And well put! The washi tape was very popular.

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Sumi's avatar

Beautiful! I've always loved the atmosphere at the school, more than any other in Spokane. This work that you are doing is a big part of the reason why 💜

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Thanks Sumi! 🥰

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Loreley Smith's avatar

Beautiful essay ❤️

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Thank you! Thanks for reading and for joining me in the joy of all of us.

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Annie Allen's avatar

Thank Sara for welcoming everyone!! Thank you Mary for welcoming everyone. May we all be brave enough to say, "You are welcome here."

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Thanks for reading and sharing!

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Verna Wilder's avatar

Wow. This brought me to tears--Sarah, your school, your lovely writing. I feel both sad and hopeful. There ARE really good people in this world. We all need each other. Thank you for writing.

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

I feel sad and hopeful too Verna. Thanks for your kind words and for reading.

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Hipingala@gmail.com's avatar

Beautiful work ♥️

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Thanks friend. I’m grateful for you and honored to call you friend.

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Dahlia O's avatar

Mary, where do I get one of those shirts? I've been thinking about how to make my workplace a more inclusive space, and love the ideas you've shared here.

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

I love that you have been thinking about that and I love that this was helpful. Welcome to this space. I’m so glad you found us here. I think the article I linked tells you where you can order an everyone is welcome here shirt. I also am considering getting one. Let me know if you can’t find it and I can directly link it.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Yes, this is what we mean! Thank you for taking part in and sharing so many beautiful examples, Mary. I really appreciate that you also wove in Audre Lorde's entreaty. I think many in our country got off on the wrong foot with the whole "we don't see color" way of thinking. I was so happy to learn that Sarah reinstalled the banner. "I imagine she couldn’t stop thinking about the world she wants her child to live in." This is what we mean.

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Thanks for reading and sharing Elizabeth! It means much!

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Sherri's avatar

The celebration sounds amazing as does your school. ❤️

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Thanks Sherri. It is a special place.

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Tess Baldwin's avatar

A thousand times ugh. This was a bright spot in a dark and gray place. I love so many of the things that you described for us, thank you. As a teacher, I endeavor to make sure that I do my part to provide a welcoming space for my students and I know that I have backup from my admin. I cannot imagine not having that and being in that place. Thank you for sharing.

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Same! Your students are lucky to have you, and yes, I feel so grateful to work in a supportive place which is focused on making sure that all students feel safe and welcome. Thanks for reading!

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Julie Hester's avatar

Thank you for this. That story about the sign has been weighing on me. I’m glad your students and community have you and your colleagues!

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

I can’t stop thinking about it too. It felt good to write this. Thanks for reading!

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