Saturday, November 7, 2009

Mad Momma Update

I am VERY happy to report that we have an extremely supportive hockey association and team mates that viewed the events with the same sense of shock and horror as we did.

Greg feels supported and validated in his feelings about the event and believes our assertion that racism in any setting is wrong.

We are also happy to report that the concerns were taken very seriously, and most importantly there will be an educational component for all disciplinary actions taken.

Racists are NOT welcome in hockey, or society, and I am glad that we could help to be the change to ensure that this becomes progressively less and less acceptable in EVERY circle.

For those that would argue that racism is "harmless" on the sporting field, I would assert that complacency in the face of wrong doing is simply acceptance. If you are not part of the solution to ending racism, then you yourself ARE the problem.

I know the cost to Greg to stand up and report this event at the time it occurred to his coach and the ref. I know the cost to him to stand before the Directors today and share what happened to him. It would have been much easier, at least today, to stay silent.

But the cost if he had stayed silent and simply accepted the fact that people will sometimes behave this way? Far Greater. He believes that he is worth being treated with the same respect as any other player. Any other person.

He stood up for what is right this weekend, and he had our support. Not only that but he had the support of the coaches and Minor Hockey Executive that, without our knowledge, also spoke to the Directors on Greg's behalf attesting to his honesty, integrity and honor both on and off the ice.

So thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for being as upset as we were. Thank you for understanding that if we fail to react when this happens, we are giving our consent for it to continue.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Way to go Greg!!! Jen, I've been thinking about your family this weekend....thanks for the update, it gave me goosebumps.

Anonymous said...

You amaze me...well, most people would stand up when their kid is mistreated, but you do so in such a dignified and respectful manner. You are an incredible role model for your child!

Jenny said...

That's great news, Jen! Hopefully that team and their associated peoples have learned a valuable lesson.

birthmothertalks said...

That's great news!! Did you get my invite? I wondered in you did a typo in your email, because it ended funnny.

Unknown said...

Racism is never appropriate. Ever. So good for you all..for standing up and saying so.

Patty said...

I just HAVE to say it - your kids are gorgeous! :)

One Busy Momma said...

So glad that someone is taking this as serious as it truly is!!!!

Greg sounds like an amazing young man!