Miranda's Mother Calls for Removal 3 Members of School Staff

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Challenges. Discussion »

Seventh Grader, Miranda

SHAWNO, WISCONSIN - Tanaes Washinawatok, the mother of seventh grader, Miranda, who was suspended for one basketball game for speaking "I Love You" in Menominee, is asking the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay to remove the principal, teacher and assistant coach involved in the incident at the Sacred Heart Catholic School.

They are Dan Minter, principal; Julie Gurta, teacher and Billie Jo DuQuaine, assistant coach.

“It is a tragedy that this is the process through which my young daughter was introduced to the idea that difference is to be feared or punished, instead of acknowledged and celebrated… ”

Writes Washinawatok, in part, in a tersely written letter over four pages long.

"In this particular situation Miranda was the victim. Through the years countless children have suffered similar and often much worse treatment silently. We reside in the 21st century a time of fast paced and often unbelievable changes,"

Washinawatok's letter continues.

The letter is addressed to Dr. Joseph Bound, director of education for the Green Bay Diocese. In the letter, Washinawatok describes what she believes has been the inadequate handling of how and why Miranda was disciplined by the school staff.

"I feel as if I have been lied to by these people involved. The stories kept changing as time went by. In the end, it is about protecting the well-being of Miranda."

Stated Washinawatok to the Native News Network.

"We place great faith in the staff that they will care for our children properly. Many families go to great lengths to send their children to Sacred Heart Catholic School. In my mind you have jeopardized the trust I have placed in this relationship. You have caused me to question the humility and compassion displayed by the staff at Sacred Heart,"

continues Washinawatok in a portion of the letter.

Washinawatok's call for the removal of the three school personnel comes a week after the Diocese of Green Bay offered a broad apology to the Menominee Nation through Dr. Joseph Bound. Her response reflects the culmination of the incident response that originally occurred on January 19 when Miranda and two classmates were discussing how to say hello and I love you in Menominee.

Miranda speaks Menominee and English.

posted March 1, 2012 3:20 am est