This is not new news but it is rarely admitted. Naming the disease is a first step in healing it. Denying the disease is a prescription for disaster. People are hurt by such racist expressions as the recent e-mail. People are further hurt by denial of the truth.
Fear is spread.
It is only appropriate that the community and the administration of the school acknowledge the hurt that has been experienced out of this incident. Bear witness to the pain of living and learning in a situation of fear and distrust. Begin to take action to dismantle the structures of racism in our community. The issue is one which is very complex indeed. It must also be one of its citizens exercizing his right to burn that flag.