I must first say this: I have no business posting an article on this site.  A student newspaper is no place for a faculty member. Being the adviser, my role is clearly defined and it is not as a reporter.

But as I once heard folk singer Arlo Guthrie say, “You can’t always do what you are supposed to do.”

I am here to confess not only to breaking the no posting rule, but also to not doing what I should have done.

On Halloween day, I should have stepped up and done the right thing, but I was so wrapped up in teaching my classes and getting the Fall Play ready for opening night that I missed a prime opportunity to teach a valuable lesson.

Over 20 years ago, a committee of faculty and staff met with leaders of the local tribes to discuss our use of the moniker “Braves.”

After many months of heartfelt conversations, our school and the tribal leaders reached an agreement; we could use the title Braves if we honored that word.  We would eliminate all offensive representations, as well as  educating each student on the meaning of what it means to the local tribes to be able earn the title “Brave.”

For them and for us, a Brave is one who honors the title by respecting our the earth, the community, and God. A Brave is one who honors the traditions and ideals of those who have come before us, seeing the power of the Holy Spirit in everything that exists.

On Halloween, a few students walked through our halls, some into my classroom, wearing  costumes that were stereotypical of “Plains Indians.”  Nothing sinister was meant; the students are some of the most outstanding young men I have the honor of teaching. Certainly theirs were  not the only stereotypical outfits being donned in the hallways that day.

My disappointment is not really with them; it is with me.

I should have had a conversation with these trick or treaters; mine is the responsibility to uphold our agreement, and I did not say a word. Two days later, I still regret it enough to violate my prime directive as an adviser – never write anything that goes onto our website.

If I had another chance, I would remind us all that if we want to continue to have the honor of calling ourselves Braves, we must live as Braves – respecting all others, not accepting any stereotypes of any kind, and speaking up when we see something that needs to be said.

I am speaking up now, two days too late. Always strive to be a Brave.  It’s an honor that is earned, and a responsibility to be taken seriously.