Minnesota's hotly contested marriage amendment has made its way into some classrooms in the state. If approved, the marriage amendment would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
Last week some kids within the Ada-Borup School District wore T-shirts in favor of the amendment.
On Monday both sides in the controversy were drawn together by a speaker who understands the power of communication.
Ada-Borup Schools Superintendent and High School Principal Mike Kolness received a phone call last Thursday from a concerned parent. "It was about some T-shirts that were distributed at a church youth group," says Kolness.
Those shirts had one message: "Vote Yes for Marriage...One Man, One Woman."
The parent did not think that message belonged in schools, but the school disagreed.
Kolness says, "They did not cause a significant disruption at the school." Nor did they violate the dress code. Kolness says because there were no violations, the school could not take away the students' court-protected right of free speech.
That meant the other side could voice their opinion as well. Kolness says, "There were some kids that said they would like to wear T-shirts that said "vote no," and I did hear that. So they are."
One of the persons who was wearing the T-shirts in opposition to the ones worn last week says it is not about rebelling against the other side. It is about respecting their decision, an important lesson learned throughout the school day.
A speaker with a program called "Rachel's Challenge" was at the high school the whole day. She was spreading the message of Rachel Scott, the first victim killed in the Columbine shooting.
Nasha Snipes, the speaker, says, "We give them permission to say it's okay and let people know they matter."
Rachel Scott believed in respect. She believed in treating people with kindness and compassion.
"Sometimes in the crossfire we just forget how to communicate, so we stop talking to each other and start talking about each other," says Scott.
The students at Ada-Borup want everyone to know those lines of communication are open, especially as an important November vote draws near.
Kolness says if there is ever a major problem with the T-shirts or others like them he will step in and put a halt to it.
He says nothing should interfere with educating the kids.
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