Bluster in the Barbershop

Ethical Educator

Scenario: The coordinator of the local school district’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative was waiting his turn in a barbershop he often visits when he overheard another customer comment to the barber about how the schools “ought to stop catering to every need of gays and lesbians.” As a gay man, the DEI coordinator felt his blood freeze when he heard those words out loud. He stood and walked out, later explaining, “I didn’t want to breathe the same air as someone speaking the language of hate.” He wonders now if he should have spoken up, given his professional role.