Editorial
It’s tiring driving to school every day and seeing willful disinformation stamped on bright red plastic signs right across from campus. “MCCC allows MEN in girls bathrooms.”
The Agora stands with the students and community members affected by these signs. We support equality and diversity, and stand against those who wish to villainize the transgender community.
We know these signs aren’t true. We know this is a fear-mongering tactic. We know these signs are a pathetic response to law.
The Monroe Republican Party had previously taken credit for these signs along with similar signs and a banner flown from a plane that were spotted at the Monroe County Fair. For unknown reasons, this credit has since been abandoned. There were multiple attempts to reach out to the Republican Party for answers, but they never responded to the Agora.
MCCC President Kojo Quartey spoke on the issue, stating that this wasn’t the Republican Party as a whole taking credit for the signs, but a small fringe group. Melissa Grey, professor of psychology, called the group “an over-empowered vocal minority.”
In a post that was since taken down, the Monroe County Republican Party stated they “have yet to find another community college in the state with the same extreme bathroom policy as MCCC.”
The “extreme” bathroom policy is part of a state law that prohibits discriminatory practices.
Nothing more.
“We are abiding by the law,” Quartey said when asked about the topic.
Why push back against something out of the hands of MCCC? Again, this is part of a state law. This is something that must be followed whether it is liked or not.
Even if it wasn’t, though, why litter your yard with anger and callousness? Why eagerly stand with fear and hatred? Why defy acceptance?
There is nothing “extreme” about protecting transgender people. There is nothing “radical” about equality. There is nothing “woke” about standing up for basic human rights. These are acts of basic decency and respect to another human being.
These signs are not about restrooms. They are not about safety. They are just another attempt to further alienate an already disenfranchised community.
The residents of Monroe County are too smart to fall for emboldened, disgusting misrepresentation. These signs are nothing more than bigotry and intolerance broadcasted in the yards of those who are unwilling to learn and love.
The Agora believes that Monroe, as a community, should be stronger than succumbing to hateful rhetoric. There is more than hatred here and we will overcome it.
The Agora editorial board consists of the two editors and the staff.
