The photo and report are from Julie:
I am writing to share the upsetting and disappointing news that a Black Lives Matter sign our PTA placed on the Myrtle St. fence at Gatewood Elementary School was removed and stolen last night. Someone was trying very hard to block this message of solidarity and support for people of color in our community, and we ask that people be on the lookout.
We are planning to print another and post again.
Why would you do that?yes -all lives matter, but affirming Black Lives Matter takes nothing away from you.
It’s literally disgusting that this happened. I am disgusted. Given our lack of access to the city and the off-the-beaten-track location of the incident, the culprit was likely a member of the West Seattle / Vashon community. To steal anything from a school is beyond immoral, and to do what the actor likely did to “make a statement” against the very-necessary BLM movement, there are no words.
Sadly, I am sure there are people who don’t agree with me on this simple statement. I have words to describe their mindset, but I will not tarnish this wonderful blog with them.
I’d be interested in donating toward the cost of a new sign. Any contact info?
I really hope it was kids who thought they were being funny and return it.
With absolutely no disrespect, is any type of political signage allowed by Seattle Public School PTA groups? Maybe this is not an overt political sign.And confirming the urgency of ‘Black Lives Matter’, King County Health Director has just declared, “Racism is a public health crisis.”I agree that ‘Black Lives Matter’ encompasses political, governmental, educational, social services and health fields.I do still wonder whether Gatewood Elementary PTA crossed some line in mounting the sign on school grounds?Can anyone place signs? Say, other health related signs like those promoting vacinations or Covid19 response?
Personally, I am over people saying that choosing to be racist or not racist is a “political issue.” Black lives matter. Period. It sounds like you might agree, but I think it’s important to keep saying it.
Hey John- as a member of the Gatewood PTA I can assure you this sign was approved by both the custodial management and the principal of the school.
There is no fault to be found with Gatewood PTA’s sign. The PTA has put up signs before, including recently about its annual fundraiser. Other people commonly put up yard signs around the school advertising youth sports, Girl Scouts, etc., and those signs can sometimes remain in place long after the sign-up season has passed because nobody bothers to police them–except apparently for racist vigilantes who cannot abide a message affirming Gatewood’s students and teachers.
Why on Earth would we worry about what the “rules” are when it comes to stating something that should not be remotely controversial?These are the lives of living breathing human beings. Students at this school. Black. Lives. Matter.
I am no longer shocked at the number of racists we have in Western Washington. It is beyond sickening.
WSB, Thank you for your sharing of this and thank you for allowing my post which I erroneously thought I made every attempt to avoid it, I failed to convey and or have been misunderstood.
My question was whether there are official Seattle School District regulations or guidelines. related to the signs.
And to BELIVDEAR and any one else confused by my question, I apologize.
I both support and believe that Black Lives Matter.
The only fault I can see in the sign and I hope it to be added in it’s reincarnation, is a credit down in the corner: “Sponsored by Gatewood PTA”I would also like to see and willing to contribute to similar signs for COVID19 and vaccination issues critical to our schools hopefully opening soon.
I too, am disturbed that someone removed the sign.
Maybe when installing the new one(s) attach them to less accessible part of the Gatewood facility (somewhere high up?), so that this has reduced opportunity for repetition.
Whom ever took the sign, plain and simple, that did not belong to you!!!
Hope this is a moment to continue teaching our kids that their voices are important, they matter, and will not be silent. Let’s keep writing on our sidewalks, hanging sings in our windows, and yelling from our streets. Black Lives Mater in our community. Change will happen with our children.
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