MY TURN: Take a stand against bigotry, racism

On behalf of the NAACP Kootenai County Branch, I am writing to address a deeply troubling incident that recently occurred at McEuen Park, where young students from the Coeur d’Alene Tribal School were racially harassed by a group of adults. First and foremost, we stand in solidarity with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the affected children, and condemn the actions of the individuals responsible for the incident. Simply put, intolerance and disrespect have no place here.

Sadly, this follows another distressing event where the University of Utah women’s basketball team faced racial slurs and harassment during their visit to Coeur d’Alene. These consecutive episodes highlight an urgent need for change. We cannot ignore these acts of bigotry and must be serious-minded about opposing them head-on.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has offered a reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible for the harassment. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in ensuring justice is served. Accountability is essential, but it is only one part of the broader effort needed to address and eradicate racial prejudice in our community.

We must engage in open and honest conversations about racism and its impact on all community members. Such dialogues are vital to illuminate the challenges faced by people of color and drive the systemic changes necessary to create a more just and equitable society. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

With that in mind, we call upon our elected officials, community leaders and every resident of Kootenai County to join us in taking a stand against bigotry and racism. Let us endeavor to create an environment where differences are celebrated and every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, heritage, color or creed. Let us commit to making North Idaho a place where such acts of hatred are confronted, not excused, and where we actively work to create a more inclusive, respectful and tolerant society.

In solidarity,

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Gabe Ripley is acting president of NAACP Kootenai County Branch.