FHSTheFlash The Flash Volume 54, Issue 3 May 2014 | Page 2

2 Opinion Words Hurt www.fhstheflash.com Ashley Derry Flash Staff Reporter Hugging, holding hands, and small kisses are seen throughout the halls of Fraser High School as couples socialize before school and in between classes. The rest of the students go about their business and let these small acts of affection continue. That is, until they see something new in the Fra café one morning. A small kiss was shared between two girls who are dating. The word spread throughout the students as two girls dating is taboo to people. Many other couples, or friends who hug and kiss numerous times within a school day with no worry of judgement. The students have begun to express their opinions. Many are either supportive or have no issue with same-sex couples; however, some students disagree with that way of living and have decided to firmly voice their unwanted and hurtful views. Even those interested in the same sex who aren’t in a relationship have experienced name calling, dirty looks, and rude gestures. There are even instances where violence is involved. Fraser isn’t alone; all schools deal with bullying, even if it’s small. Change is coming, but not soon enough for those who need it. In order to stop step. According to the Student Code of Conduct, “Peer Harassment/Bullying is intimidation of others by acts such as, this double standard and bullying in but not limited to the following: threatening or committing actual harm; unwelcome contact; verbal, written, or electronic taunting; racial slurs, blocking or impeding student movement.” There are many forms of bullying, but all of them need to be prevented. Once you have figured out what bullying is, the next step is to do something about it. Even though not everyone can or will want to speak up for them, a teacher or hall monitor will hopefully be nearby and end the situation. Stopping bullying when it happens is only half the battle, preventing that attitude and any thought of bullying is the hardest part. Everyone can make a difference, from changing the way they think to standing up for others. Bullying and double standards like these should not be tolerated and students The fight for equality will never end. should feel comfortable Photo Credit: Hannah Loudermilk being themselves in a place where they spend four years of their life. general, we need to take action. BeHopefully, in the future many can put ing able to recognize when someone aside their prejudiced minded thoughts is being bullied is the first and easiest and become civil with each other. Visit The Flash online at: www.fhstheflash.com Editor-in-Chief Josephine Morenski Editors Starria Coppins Savanna DiStefano Design Editors Starria Coppins Savanna DiStefano Flash Reporters Karoline Asdal Lauren Carbonara Ashley Derry Emily Drumn Laurel Kraus Rachel Moore Jessa Stallsmith Anna Stemmler Amy Weed Courtney Winnie Web Editor Lauren Carbonara Business Manager Erica Kloski Adviser James Flanagan Find The Flash! www.facebook.com/fhstheflash www.twitter.com/FHStheflash www.fhstheflash.tumblr.com The purpose of the Flash is to inform and entertain our audience, which includes the entire community, on subjects that may affect our readers. We also aim to be an open forum for the audience to be heard and make comments and observations. It is our intent that we provide this information in a clear, meaningful, and journalistic way. The Flash is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). Editorial Policy The editorial board is the decision-making group for the newspaper staff. It includes the editor-inchief, assistant editors, and all other writers, web editors, and photographers. The board is in charge of making the decisions on what will go into the newspaper. If a controversial issue arises, it is the common assumption that there will be nothing published in the newspaper that is libelous, obscene, copyrighted, disrupting, or advocating illegal activities. Contact Us At the Flash, we encourage letters to the editor so that our readers can cooperate with us to make a better newspaper. Any signed letter of which is not libelous, obscene, or regarding defamation or incitement may be accepted to be published. Letters are subject to edit for grammar and content if necessary. Please keep letters 250 words or less. Letters can also be submitted to the journalism room or in the main office, as well as via e-mail to theflash@ fraserk12.org Letters to the Editor should be addressed to: Letter to the Editor, The Flash 34270 Garfield, Fraser, MI 48026