Link to column written by Nik Shay: https://pantherstale.com/84185/news/shay-forcing-censorship-only-contributes-to-inherent-problem-of-white-privilege/

Staff members showed their support for Principal Tim Hamblin on Monday by wearing green #teamhamblin T-shirts. 

A school board member directed Hamblin to apologize to staff for sharing a video that talked about white privilege during an inservice with faculty members in January.

“I just felt that it was important that we show support to Mr. Hamblin (because) he has been treated unfairly, and I wanted him to know that he we have his back because he always has our back,” staff member Tonia Stoehr said.

Stoehr was one of the individuals who organized making the T-shirts that defended Hamblin. Word quickly spread to students and many wanted to get involved.

“I heard (about #teamhamblin) from his son, Conley (Hamblin). He’s my best friend. I got a link from him, we got it from Bittersweet, here in Derby,” senior Jaydon Jackson said. “I support Mr. Hamblin. He’s a great dude. He’s helped all the students at the Derby High School, and he’s like a second dad to me.” 

Ultimately, Stoehr decided to take a stand with Hamblin because she believes it’s incredibly important to defend what one believes in, and speak out if something wrong has happened to someone.

“I think we are all given a voice and convictions for a reason, and we can all use those for good or to make things worse, and I’m hopeful that this will help make things better,” Stoehr said.