KKK-like hood at rally spurs racism probe

Dear All,

On Wed, March 30, The Salt Lake Tribune headlines read:

KKK-like hood at rally spurs racism probe

When I first heard of a student donning a hood to resemble the infamous white
supremacy organization I shuddered in horror. How could a teenage boy do such a
thing?

Then I remembered……..

Acts of prejudice are born in ignorance and this event, no matter the intention or
lack of it, is another reflection of how we are sorely lacking in empathy and facing
history education in this country, in this city. The young perpetrator of this action is
reported to have meant no malice, and I suspect that is true. In my many teaching
experiences in 100’s of classrooms in Utah I am always surprised about the lack
of education young people have received about horrific historical (and present
day) discrimination. Why is it not a priority to teach our youth consistently and
overtime the causes and consequences of discrimination gone unchecked? What
does that young man, and countless other young people know of basic human rights,
or further, The Declaration of Human Rights, an important document that brings us
together in our common humanity?

It is reported the offender at Alt High has learned a hard lesson, and it saddens me
he had to learn it in a most difficult and humiliating way. I am sorry for him and the
students he offended. I am sorry he/they never had the opportunity to attend one
of our classes that teach acceptance and forgiveness. I am sorry that most young
people (and adults) are not aware that there are over 4,000 white supremacist hate
sites on the internet, and they are busily recruiting many an ignorant kid. Racism is
alive and well in our world and our young people need to be taught what causes it,
what perpetuates it, and what they can do to help prevent it. Their job is to help and
heal the earth and they cannot do that in blind ignorance. Education is the key and
that is why HREC exists.
Call us.

Carla Kelley
Director
The Human Rights Education Center of Utah