To the editor:

In light of the recent public homophobic acts by some of our New Ulm students, OUR kids, towards members of another community, it is beyond time to address the issues that brought us to this place. Is our town a space that allows and encourages this type of behavior? To anyone reading the news reports of this incident, it would appear that we are. Recent letters to the editor in our local paper would support that view. So the question is what do we, as a community, do now? Is everyone okay with what happened? Or should we work to address, educate, and do better? The Human Rights Commission believes firmly in the latter and will be working to construct opportunities for growth and compassion with our students and community at large. The New Ulm School Board apparently believes the same and has been taking proactive steps with equity and diversity training, but has been met with resistance and criticism from community members for their efforts. This is an “It takes a village” time. Time for everyone to commit to doing better for ourselves and the children we are raising.

To the citizens of St. Peter, their basketball team, and specifically to the young man targeted: We, as members of the New Ulm community, are profoundly sorry. We will work to do better. And we implore others to join us.

The New Ulm Human Rights Commission Executive Board

Wendi Ringhofer

Larry Czer

Kristin Sprenger

Casey McMullen