Dear Free State

Dear Free State,

I go to a school where people get told to go back to where they came from

where people get slurs thrown at them

I go to a school where people get shamed for how they dress, how they identify, the language they speak

I go to a school where white supremacists and Nazi’s roam the halls freely

I go to school with people that hate gay and trans people.

I go to a school where people are sexually harassed, assaulted, and even raped.

I go to a school where I’ve gotten told to kill myself because of my belief in equality

I go to school with people that want immigrants to be deported

I go to a school where even teachers and administration treat minorities unfairly and don’t care what we have to say

I go to a school where I fear being myself

I go to a school where tradition is more important than inclusion

I will not turn my head the other way and laugh it off

I refuse to do so and I insist that more people see a problem and decide to do something

I am crying out for your help

Stop housing the problem.

Stop allowing hate to live here

It’s lease is up

House me and my marginalized brothers and sisters instead

You were supposed to be our home

Yet your welcome mat has been removed

I don’t have a room

Free State

Do Better.

Sincerely,

               Grace Porter