To the editor:

Kids learn by example. This is the principle upon which education is based. Thus, we were appalled at the missed opportunity to learn from the recent discrimination of a St. Peter athlete by New Ulm students.

According to the Star Tribune and Mankato Free Press, ongoing verbal harassment and physical bruising of a gay athlete occurred at three basketball games from January through March. Why was this not reported in our local newspaper? Why was there no public statement of condemnation by the superintendent and coach? This was not one incident, let’s call it for what it is – discrimination.

Why wasn’t there a no-tolerance policy that quickly eliminated the situation and brought transparency to the punishment of the offending player and punishment of student body members? Will there be a school investigation of the motives behind the attack of the St. Peter bus? Minimizing the latter incident is not adequate.

The St. Peter principal is proud of the way her students reacted to the situation and supported the discriminated student. We find it very hard to be proud of our city at this point. There’s no question as to the need for an equity framework. We must act courageously for the safety of all LGBTQ youth.

Duane and Karla Hansel

New Ulm

Editor’s note: The Journal was not aware of the incidents until the news broke on Saturday. The school district’s disciplinary actions are covered by the state’s data protection laws, which prevent it from making such cases public.