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Submissions in TEAM Westport’s 11th annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest addressed a very timely topic: racism.

The 3 winning writers — announced last night at the Westport Library — addressed the subject differently. One spoke about her experiences as an LGBTQ Latina. The other 2 had perspectives as Asian Americans.

Junior Sophia Lopez won first prize, and $1,000, at last night’s Westport Library ceremony.

Sophomore Olivia Morgeson was second, and won $750. Freshman Teya Ozgen place third, and was awarded $500.

All students attending public or private high school — and those who live in Westport, and attend high school elsewhere — were invited to participate.

Judging was led by Dr. Judith Hamer. Other judges included Shonda Rhimes, Alex Giannini, Donna Skolnick and Ramin Ganeshram.

The prompt said:

The regulation of hate speech must balance limiting speech that may be considered offensive, threatening, or hurtful with the constitutional right of free expression.

In 1,000 words or less, with respect to speech that targets specific people or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, and/or LGBTQIA+ identification, consider the guidelines one should set for themselves within Westport’s schools and in our community.

Explain how a diversity of opinions can be safely and respectfully shared. Are the rules different in a school community than on social media? 

From left: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, Teya Ozgen, Sophia Lopez, Olivia Morgeson, Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas, Westport Library director Bill Harmer. (Photos/Dan Woog)

Here are the 3 winning essays.

SOPHIA LOPEZ: wESTPORT’S CONTEST OF CONFORMITY (1st place)

In a world increasingly connected through technology and social media, the power of speech has never been more apparent—or more fraught with consequences.

In Westport, a predominantly white town where societal norms often dictate conformity, it is imperative to establish clear guidelines to ensure that all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

Our own must prioritize inclusivity and respect in schools and broader community interactions like social media. To achieve this, several key strategies must be implemented from day one.

As a child with a multitude of thoughts and unique characteristics and ways of expressing them, I quickly discerned that I was an outsider in my community. Despite my best efforts to assimilate and conform to societal expectations, I could never fully escape it.

As early as Kindergarten, I experienced the profound impact of feeling like my voice was not valued in my community due to the factor of race. Kids ridiculed me because I looked and acted differently from the majority.

In 2019, the Hispanic population of Westport was around 4.5%. In 2012 when I was in Kindergarten, the population was even lower.

I didn’t understand why my dad had never come to a “back to school night” after my first one.

Being a Spanish immigrant, he didn’t feel comfortable enough to. I was mad at him for this.

Sophia Lopez

In this contest of conformity, nobody cared what type of brown you were, and you would be naive to believe they would remember. At my white friends’ houses, every aspect of my personality that wasn’t common stood out immensely, making me feel unwelcomed.

Other times, I felt my existence was only to take the purpose of a pawn. I felt like an abnormality that was on display for show and tell. My insights had become unnecessarily amplified because of my identity.

I remember coming out in the 7th grade. Girls I had never talked to messaged me to congratulate me. I was one of the only openly LGBTQ+ people in middle school and I believe they wanted to convince themselves that they were supportive, so they forcibly associated with me.

Instead of making me feel empowered, that silenced me more. Some of the most vile people I have ever met would have those signs outside their door saying they stood with me.

With rainbow flags raised, they declined the sleepover invitations purely because I liked girls.

Sometimes, it came passive aggressively during a dinner-time conversation. “Sophia, you’re young. You don’t know anything about your sexuality or who you are as a person.” They felt so proud of themselves after saying that, too, as if they had just killed the disgusting beast which was my homosexuality.

If I had the opportunity to banish it, I would have done so as soon as people started seeing me differently. We cannot let our children grow up with this mindset.

What is a community without diversity?

Let’s not forget Westport’s emphasis on academics. In no way am I ungrateful to be here, but I do want to point out that the stress on academics here can further contribute to a sense of alienation which further leads to hate speech.

Despite having valuable insights, my worth was measured solely by academic performance. Throughout elementary school, I had gotten the highest state test score possible.

During middle, as my mental health worsened, so did my grades. Nobody asked why; they just jumped to conclusions. Constant labels given to me stunted
me even more. “Burn out.”

I wish someone had sat me down and asked why instead of rapidly judging me based on a percentage or letter grade early on. I wish I could’ve sat her down and
told her she was worth more than that.

If we want to reduce hate speech, we must welcome empathy and compassion.

So, with these ideas in mind, how can one be a good person while still being honest and up front about how they truly feel?

First, measures must be taken to address the inherent biases and societal pressures that exist within Westport’s culture. The town’s homogeneity and
unintentional emphasis on conformity can create an environment where those who do not fit the established norms are marginalized or targeted. Even today, I wonder what it would be like if I
grew up in the way that most did here.

While I have made peace with my differences, it never fails to upset me thinking about my younger self that hated what she saw.

Westport has to stop being scared of accepting the fact our youth may be dealing with the same thoughts. Initiatives such as multicultural events, guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, and an inclusive curriculum can broaden perspectives and foster a more inclusive community. Encouraging curiosities and question asking is a must.

In addition, it is also crucial to establish clear guidelines for respectful communication and discourse. Both in schools and on social media platforms, individuals should be held accountable for their words and actions. Schools also need to be held responsible for upholding their codes of conduct that emphasize consequences for harassment or bullying.

However, it is important to recognize that the rules for communication may differ between schools and social media platforms. While schools have a responsibility to maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment, social media operates within a broader context where freedom of speech is valued.

Nevertheless, both environments should uphold principles of
respect, empathy, and tolerance.

I realize that my experiences are not unique and that many individuals face similar or more extreme challenges here or all around the world. However, it is essential to recognize the inherent value of diversity and to create spaces where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.

By fostering inclusivity and embracing differences, communities can empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness and contribute meaningfully to our community. When children feelsafe enough to encourage and not conceal their differences, only then will we have a community where every voice is truly valued and celebrated,

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olivia morgeson: “hate speech has no home here” (2nd place)

Hate speech does not allow for a diversity of opinions. When someone mocks your very being, they’re not looking to share their opinion and hear yours. They’re not seeking to learn. They’re looking to hurt.

But how does one define hate speech? For example: Is it hate speech when my classmate tells me to “go back to China”? This comment made me feel anxious,
embarrassed, and alienated; but it did not make me feel unsafe.

It’s an ignorant statement. It’s nonsensical. But it does not pose a threat to my well being.

When I read about last month’s Board of Education meeting concerning racist behavior at school, my mind went to two places.

Firstly, I felt great empathy, because I unfortunately could relate, and knew all my non-white friends could relate too. It’s the common minority experience in a white town: receiving unsolicited, abrasive, racist comments at a young age.

We encounter racism so early on that sometimes it’s before we know what race is. My first experience being called a racial slur was when I was in first grade.

Secondly, I was completely taken aback by the specifics, because while I could relate to the disrespectful name and slur-calling, I have never experienced threats of targeted violence. While hate speech has no consistent definition, it is often described as threatening speech expressing prejudice. So perhaps I wouldn’t consider “Go back to China” hate speech.

But if it were to be, “Go back to China or I’ll hurt you,” then that would be a different case.

A student took a photo of a black student and said, “There’s about to be a hate crime.” I cannot possibly see how this could be interpreted as anything but hate speech; a threat to the safety of a child on the basis of race.

When a person is found guilty of assault, they receive a penalty. However, if it’s
discovered that the assault was targeted due to the ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation of the victim, the penalty is increased.

Olivia Morgeson

Incidents of hate speech at school must be approached with similar severity; if we are to adequately prepare our children for the real world, this principle must be mirrored and applied within our school system.

Children are impressionable and lack maturity. They are, however, also capable of growth. Therefore, punishment should be accompanied by proper education. Harmful behavior must not be excused and actions should not be forgotten; yet, it must be followed by education.

Without education, any punishment is meaningless; without education, the student will not be given the opportunity to learn and grow as a person; without education, the student will move on to another target.

Thus, it’s important to directly combat any ignorance by detailing why their words are harmful, why they received any punishment, and why they must learn to treat others with proper respect.

It’s less challenging to determine the consequences for students who use hateful speech than it is to determine how the pain of the victims can be alleviated. How can a community as a whole go forth when students are repeatedly disturbed by the cacophony of hate speech?

There is no solution– there is an aspiration. Minority children must remember that they are not at fault for others’ wrongdoings, and that they are unconditionally accepted.

They must also understand that they are not alone, that this is a common experience, and that there are pockets of the community built upon empowering one another.

There were several comments on articles concerning last month’s Board of Education meeting that intrigued me, but one stood out in particular: “A sign ‘hate has no home here’ on a lawn looks great, [but] are we as a community preaching and practicing this in our own homes?”

It’s important that Westport families strive to raise their children knowing not to
discriminate and not to threaten violence.

Moreover, it’s crucial to provide strong guidelines for hate speech at school and community assurance that all individuals are welcomed and protected.

Only then can the entire community flourish as a center of education and respect.

Only then can it be possible for the “common minority experience” in Westport to not be common anymore.

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TEYA OZGEN: “do schools suppress FIRst amendment rights?” (3rd place)

Children are curious.

At a young age, children want to know things. In elementary school, instead of Lunchables or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I brought Chinese dumplings and noodles. Some kids would ask “Hey, what do you have for lunch? I’ve never seen it before, could I try some?”. These comments made me glad to share my culture. I have always been proud of being Chinese.

Other students would make snide remarks. “What are you eating? Eww that smells! Is that dog?” These comments would make me hide my food and wish I could disappear.

These comments are not illegal. However, in schools where students learn and grow, hateful comments have no place.

School administrators are trained to protect victimized students and de-escalate difficult situations. But sometimes situations aren’t as they appear.

Last year, a neuro-diverse student, looked at me and yelled “Not all people in America are the same,” pointed at me, and screamed “Asian.”

I did not know how to react, so I laughed as a coping mechanism. Laughing was better than crying. The whole class started laughing too. I couldn’t tell if they were laughing at her, laughing with me, or laughing at me.

My teacher did not hear the exchange, but assumed I was making the whole class laugh at a neuro-diverse student. Even after explaining the situation, my teacher felt the need to protect the other student.

After feeling victimized by the class, I felt doubly victimized by my teacher. I tried my best to explain what happened; however, I was not in the best mind space to defend myself.

In situations like these, I hope that teachers can work to understand nuanced dynamics in the interest of protecting all students.

Asian hate is often disregarded and not taken seriously because Asians fit the model minority stereotype. “Oh you got a 97 wow! But you’re only smart because you’re Asian!” I have heard this so many times as a joke or a compliment.

In reality, all racism is hate, and freedom of speech that is hateful violates
other people’s rights.

Rules in schools must be stricter and protect students. There is a stark contrast between a diversity of opinion and hateful speech. Though freedom of speech is a right exercised from the Constitution, hateful words have no place in the Westport Public School district.

Teya Ozgen

Within our community, it is necessary for individuals to take it upon themselves to protect students of different races, religions, and identities. The term “casual racism” is often used to describe micro-aggressions that can be easily disregarded.

Racism is never casual, and we must protect everyone in our community. Many of my peers have undergone racist situations, and have not felt the comfort and security from our administrators enough to speak up. The job of educators is to not only teach, but to also make students comfortable enough to stand up for themselves.

Even personally, I have experienced racism as an Asian-American who has been in Westport Public Schools since kindergarten. Some incidents I have reported, others I haven’t.

Either way, I have never felt fully supported and comfortable enough to open up about the hate I experience.

Freedom of expression is strictly dictated in the First Amendment. However, many rules in school do not strictly follow the Constitution. In school, you may not dress inappropriately, you may not use profanity, and you may not skip classes and congregate in the halls.

All of these rules are implicated for important reasons; however, they test the boundaries of the First Amendment. The dress code is necessary: Students should not wear inappropriate clothing in a learning environment. However, doesn’t the dress code suppress students’ right to express themselves freely through clothing?

The banning of profanity violates Freedom of Speech; the banning of congregating in the halls violates the Freedom of Assembly.

Constitutional rights cannot exist without some restrictions. Diversity of opinions are orthogonal to hate. Difference of opinion can be respectful and educational.

In contrast, hate speech is used to bring down others for differences they can not control. If you believe in a different religion, you can still have a passionate but respectful debate, but this requires that schools provide a safe and respectful
space for students to express a difference of opinion.

If you make antisemitic comment, that has malicious intent. That is not freedom of speech and should be punished and prosecuted in our school district.

On social media, cyberbullying is common. Many do not care about digital footprints and unleash obscenities at other people. Online, there is the false protection of anonymity. It is easier to hate on a username than a real human face.

On social media, people are often much less restricted than they are in real life, especially in a school. Easy access to technology and a mindset of “Oh I’m just joking, it’s not racist” is a combination leading to the spread of hatred.

Whether it be comments directly at you, or hateful content consumed by the media, racism gets more normalized daily. Social media must be consumed mindfully. As active users of technology, people must think critically before putting hate onto social media.

Freedom of speech is exercised much more dramatically online because of the ease and accessibility of social media. We must keep in mind positivity and the absence of hate when as users.

In conclusion, schools must be meticulous when protecting students against hateful speech. Freedom of speech and expression can not be fully exercised in a public learning environment.

Difference of opinion can be expressed without hate when all people involved stay respectful. It is incredibly important to be mindful about malice on social media, because it spreads more easily and freedom of speech is not regulated.

We can all express contrasting ideas, without the presence of hate and hatred. Disagreements do not have to lead to bullying, racism, homophobia, or discrimination.