This letter is in response to the informative and disturbing article about the toxic culture involving minorities and women in the Enumclaw schools (“Enumclaw students share stories of racism, bigotry”, published Aug. 19).

The information was presented in a recent Enumclaw School Board meeting by some very courageous students. At the conclusion of the article the students listed a series of action items they hope the School Board will adopt. Our mayor Jan Molinaro spoke in support of these students. He stated that these attitudes “do not have a place in our community.”

This was a wake-up call for me. As a long-term Enumclaw resident, I thought we had a different level of understanding about discrimination in our community. This letter is meant to encourage and support changes that are necessary. Having read through the 14 action items, it seems that all are important. I would particularly like to see student handbooks and the athletic codes of conduct updated and each should reflect the consequences for violations of these standards. In addition, I would recommend staff training regarding overt and covert racism, homophobia and a coaching code of conduct.

Cindy Ehlke

Enumclaw