Don Morrison, Bismarck

In the midst of this wonderful place we live – the beautiful, bountiful prairies – some people keep insisting on harassing other people who are a little different than they are. We see and hear continuing racial taunts and slurs aimed at Indigenous players on North Dakota high school athletic teams.

How could anyone even think mocking Native high school athletes is ok?

You know, it is just basic humanity to know why that’s wrong. In fact, all it takes is some sense of common decency.

Unfortunately, it’s very clear that common decency is in short supply in North Dakota. While some school districts, parents and community leaders have been addressing this, others in our state insist on throwing out racial taunts and slurs at high school athletes, winking at it, or refusing to actually deal with it.

Obviously, more is needed. Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille said it very well, “It is my sincere hope that by taking proactive measures and fostering a collective commitment to upholding the values of respect, dignity, and equality, we can create a safe and inclusive environment for all student-athletes to thrive both on and off the court/field.”

Yes, let’s do that. Really, folks, it’s just common decency.