Talk with kids about how we should treat each other
Due to some recent disturbing Facebook commentary related to Pasco and issues surrounding immigration, some young children have essentially been terrorized into thinking they are going to be sent away to Mexico or some other place because they are no longer wanted here.
This may sound extreme, but children are showing up to school in tears, fearful of what the next day will bring. Other students, in an attempt to console them, have been overheard saying, “I’m so sorry you have to go back to Mexico.” There is significant confusion and turmoil among many families in our community.
No matter our feelings about immigration, as decent human beings we should each do what we can to help remedy this situation. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. While immigration reform is complicated, this is not.
Can I make a simple invitation? Talk with your children about how we should treat each other, no matter the color of our skin, the way we talk, or the clothes we wear. Let us show our children how to respectfully and kindly interact with others.
I am confident our community can move forward in a positive way and overcome this challenge.
Aaron Richardson, Pasco
This story was originally published April 23, 2016 at 8:40 PM with the headline "Talk with kids about how we should treat each other."