The Story
A BHS instagram page becomes a warzone after a simple colorful post.
First off, why publish on a Friday?
Before we get into the juicy details of this story, let’s take a moment to commemorate the passing of our beloved Editor, Elsie Munsterteiger. (She’s not dead, just retiring). If you didn’t see her Farewell Address on Monday, be sure to check it out. Although we will mourn the loss of Elsie, RBD will continue barreling ahead at top speed. This is your new Editor speaking now, and we are more than thrilled to take the reins. Cross your fingers for a smooth transition!
Ok, back to the story…
Last Wednesday, a BHS instagram account under the name @bhsbulldogsnh posted a reminder (as they do every week) about what the theme for that week’s Fun Friday would be. If you didn’t already know, BHS has a Fun Friday theme every week in which students are encouraged to dress up. That week’s Fun Friday theme was “Rainbow Day” and the post depicted the words “Rainbow Day Themed Friday 4.15.22” against a Rainbow colored background.
How was this controversial?
Now you’re asking the right questions. The themed Friday corresponded with the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Awareness activity, Day Of Silence. Day of Silence is an annual event hosted by the GSA club. Students take a card, sign a form, and remain silent for the entire school day, to show the effects of silencing an entire group of students. This activity is always profound, and is part of tradition not only for members of GSA but students across the school.
What does this have to do with Instagram?
Well, let’s head back over to the post. In the comments section for the Rainbow Day post, BHS student activist and President of GSA, Luca Tennant, wrote a comment informing their peers of the activity GSA was hosting. They encouraged students to participate in Day of Silence to show their support for LGBTQ peers. Hats off to you Mx. President for spreading awareness!
What happened next?
Well, to put it bluntly, this is where things went haywire. Several instagram accounts with names like @bhs_advocate and @bhsexposed responded to Luca’s comment with intensely homophobic notions. This of course set off a firestorm of Queer students and allies to stand up for themselves. The fighting got intense, with Mr. Jozokos having to step in and cool tempers.
What was wrong with the comments?
They were mostly just blatant homophobia. One of the commenters repeatedly used religion to back their argument that being gay is somehow wrong, even though, as another student pointed out, nowhere in the Bible is there anything about how homosexuality is wrong. Another issue was the commenter’s response to their homophobia being called out. They lashed out with aggressive language, and even slurs and death-threats were used. These actions are quite outdated as BHS is usually a very safe community for Queer kids. Many students felt ostracized and misrepresented by the attacks.
The Outcome?
Several students, including the aforementioned Luca Tennant, as well as retired editor and Vice-President of GSA Elsie Munsterteiger (we love you Elsie!) emailed Mr. Jozokos, bringing to his attention the hate that was being spread. He responded by turning off the comments on that account, which put a halt to the scuffle. They have yet to be turned back on, and Day of Silence continued without any hiccups!
The Runaway
Thanks to the courageous BHS activists, our school is a safer place for any student!
What to Say…
When you have major road rage…
Oh look! Another traffic pattern status update, what a surprise! Nothing new other than the date looming closer and closer. Signs are starting to go up around town to warn people about the upcoming changes to make sure it’s not a complete surprise for students and parents. In case you’re not into reading here’s a quick rundown of the major changes once again:
- Coming up the hill, cars will go directly to the right and circle around the school
- Parent pick up will be in the back by north lot
- Buses are loading in front of lurgio
- For more visual learners here’s the map of the plan
Once Again, this will be developed over April break and functioning starting MAY 2nd!! The goal is to alleviate the amount of traffic and the wait time before and after school, please be safe and patient as everyone adapts to the new traffic pattern and hopefully there won’t be any major clashes. If there are, we’ll be sure to report on them the week after break. Road ragers beware!! (You might wanna take a chill pill before approaching school traffic)
When you’re intering that session…
Yesterday was the first day of intersession! BHS hasn’t been able to have an intersession in two whole years, because of that pesky pandemic, but this year, it’s back on as usual! Seniors are the only class who have been able to do intersession before, so for everyone else, it’s a new thing! The school was full of mostly underclassmen yesterday, as the vast majority of upperclassmen opting to do off-campus intersessions, but if you did happen to be on campus, it’s likely you noticed a few murals from Leave Your Mark up on the walls. They’re looking fantastic. Let’s hope our peers in the White Mountains, New York, and Disney are having a blast!
Things to Know
Vacay!
Today is our last day of school before April Break! Go catch up on sleep before the last chunk of the year!
An Apple a Day…
The Week after break is National Teacher Appreciation Week! Go show those underpaid teachers how much you care, and don’t forget the Starbucks gift cards!