Dictionary.com defines tolerance as “having a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic origins, differ from one’s own.”

Acceptance is a person’s assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change or protest it. Here at Pleasant Valley High School, we try our best to create an accepting environment for all students.

A few students were asked to give their thoughts about tolerance and acceptance at PV…

Srineha Gurram (12th Grade)-

“Most students are very accepting and welcoming. There are many groups and programs like the foreign exchange program and UNITE club that help include students of all races, religion, and genders to feel welcomed. For me, I’ve never been made fun of because of my race and I feel very lucky saying that because unfortunately that’s not always the case.”

Corrine Richland (12 Grade)-

“Pleasant Valley is like a united community of many different groups. Each group is like a family that is open hearted and accepting to any and all individuals that join.”

Susan Anil (11th Grade)-

“Acceptance is a relative term. Some people feel accepted, others don’t. I think we are taking steps in the right direction. But we must continue the fight to make everyone feel included.”

Ava Stigler (11th Grade)-

“I feel like there is a difference between acceptance and tolerance. It is true that while most everyone is tolerated at PV, people are often times only accepted by their individual friend groups. I feel that PV is tolerant, but branching out of friend groups and hanging out with new people should be encouraged to promote acceptance.”

Makenzie Schmidt (11 Grade)-

“Anyone can be accepting, but for some people it’s a very hard thing to do. I think people at PV understand everyone is different and are more welcoming of changes.”

It’s so hard living and surrounding yourself with people who don’t accept the way you are. It’s hard surrounding yourself with people who don’t understand you. People who don’t act the same way you do, dress the way you do, or even like the same things you do. But what’s harder is being treated in such a negative way just because you have interest for girls when society expects you to have that interest for boys. It’s so hard being left out because you add a head scarf to your outfit when no one around you does. It’s so hard being the outsider because everyone around you has  a lighter skin tone than you do. Not being accepted for who and what you truly are can be so hurtful.

“It makes my heart hurt a little,” said Shahed Kahhal, a 19-year-old Muslim girl who lives in Belgium. Kahhal goes to a school that is racist against Muslims. She is not allowed to wear her religious headscarf (Hijab) at school. “I take it off as soon as I get to school. Then I put it back on when I leave. It’s silly, I know. But I won’t let a school completely stop me from following a religion they have a problem with.” Kahhal feels like the school is destroying the whole purpose of her head scarf by having her take it off but she will not let them win. This story is repeated all around the world. So many schools expect a certain behavior from students. They will not let them express their own thoughts and feelings.

Pleasant Valley students always try their best to be welcoming. PV is welcoming of all religions, ethnicities, nationalities, and races. We allow all students to practice their beliefs. PV allows Muslims to leave to go the Mosque on Fridays due to religious requirements. They also allow them to pray in the guidance office when they need to. PV has made non-gender specific bathrooms for transgender students. At PV, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from; you’re welcomed here either way. The UNITE club has done a fantastic job of making all students feel included. They meet every Friday to discuss issues involving racism and sexism and discuss how to get rid of this negativism.

PV is one of the most accepting high schools around. The lessons we learn inside these walls are those that cannot be found in any textbook. Students are learning that every human being is beautiful and unique in their own kind of way. They are learning that being Muslim does not mean you are a terrorist. Being Asian doesn’t mean you’re favorite hobby is math. Being African American does not mean you are a thug. These are all just stereotypes we all must get past. And we can. And we will.