A Small Town Fractured?

Brodhead (WI) faces a test of Christian witness

This week, the Brodhead School District introduced Rae Tompson as its new high school guidance counselor. Tompson prefers the pronouns they/them and signed their introduction “Mx. Tompson.” They earned a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology with a minor in Family Studies at UW-Eau Claire, and earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling at UW-Stout. If my kids were still in high school, those are the kinds of credentials I’d want to see in a new guidance counselor.

Of course, it’s not their credentials that are drawing attention; it’s Tompson’s seeming lack of “binary gender” conformity. When Tompson’s introductory information was released on social media, the reaction was quick and fiery. Some said really hurtful (and, frankly, defamatory) things, others defended Tompson. I’m not repeating the nature of the comments for reasons that should be clear. I am using Tompson’s name because they are a real human being with real feelings and their name ought to serve as a reminder of that.

As a result of the spirited discussion, the school district shut down the ability to comment, and has announced it is hereby turning off comments for ALL district social media posts going forward. In a small city in southern Wisconsin, residents will no longer be able to express their support of students, staff, sports teams, performances, etc. in the manner that has now become customary. As Superintendent David Novy said, the district consulted its attorney, and has come to this conclusion:

From this point on, we will no longer accept any comments on any portion of our District Facebook page. We need to do what we can to protect our staff members and support them in any and every way we can. It’s unfortunate it needs to come to this, but our Facebook site will now simply consist of, more or less, a billboard of events. If anyone has any questions or concerns about a posted event or topic, they will need to be directed to the respective school office.

I have two loved ones who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community. I’m sensitive to these issues. I am still learning how to navigate this changing identity landscape. So, the conversation around this issue touched nerves that, for me, are already exposed. Because of that, I checked my feelings about the conversation with some trusted friends in Brodhead — members of our ecumenical Bible Study group. When they seemed as shocked and saddened by the explosive reaction to Tompson’s way of identifying, I knew my reaction was right. It’s not that they are progressive — some are, some are not — but they seemed as upset by the tone of the online conversation as I had been. To me, that’s the only concern. Some in Brodhead — a city of just 3,500 or so — are comfortable with nonbinary gender expressions. Some are not. That’s true in any community. But the way in which we treat people who make us uncomfortable is a critical part of our calling as Christians. If we embody anything less than the radical inclusion and welcome Jesus shows time and again in the Gospels, then we have failed as Christians. I’ll go a step further: To deny Mx. Tompson a warm, loving welcome is to deny Christ. Read Matthew 25:41-45, paying close attention to v. 43. Or, maybe you would prefer the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. Who is my neighbor? The very one with whom I disagree entirely, whose choices and outlook run completely contrary to mine.

Every human being has an intrinsic value EXACTLY equal to the value of Christ Himself. We were purchased with the blood of Christ, so Christ is our value. That’s true for me, for you, for Mx. Tompson, and for every other human being who has ever existed. Value does not diminish based gender expressions, skin color, economic status, or any other factor. So-called saints and so-called sinners all have the same value. Each was bought with the same price. Period. There is no theological, moral, or societal argument that can disprove this truth.

Whether you’re in Brodhead or not, I pray you’ll hear this call to action: Stop contributing to an atmosphere that causes others pain. Your judgments, criticisms, and opinions are no one else’s business. If you choose to share them, please share only those that build others up.

A darkness fell over Brodhead this week. Its charm diminished a bit. But, it can recover. Every time we shine a little Jesus light, we beat back the darkness. Every time we saturate our words with grace, and exude the love for others that Jesus showed, we overcome the world’s tribal narrative that says all who are different are distrusted.

Brodhead is a small place. The world is filled with small places. Jesus preferred small places. Small acts in small places make big impacts. Small lights can quickly become blindingly bright in small places.

Mx. Tompson, welcome to Brodhead. We join our heart to yours in our dedication to the amazing children who walk the halls of Brodhead’s schools and streets. I look forward to meeting you soon, shaking your hand, and asking your forgiveness on behalf of those who said hurtful things. You deserve better. Can we try again? We really are better than this.