Archived Letters from Father Val J. Peter, JCD, STD
Executive Director, Boys Town

Children Seek Intolerance of Prejudice

(NAPS)-At our Boys Town facilities across the United States our family consists of children of every race, creed and color under the sun. We are a melting pot and that is the way our founder, Father Edward J. Flanagan, wanted it.

Here, in the famous Nebraska village he founded and our 18 other locations across the country, we celebrate our diversity.

However, we understand prejudice still exists. We asked our children to express their feelings on prejudice by writing letters to a person or a group of people who have shown intolerance or even hatred towards them.

Please, listen to their words. I hope their letters better help all of us understand our children and our brothers and sisters of all races and ethnic backgrounds. May it help us celebrate our differences or change our attitudes.

"I am a Native American, and I notice you are intentionally rude to me. I am not quite sure why. I know we all have different feelings and beliefs, but what does that matter? We rarely judge books by their covers. We read them first. Why don't you let me share a little of my life with you and you with me? You would not judge Native Americans the way you do. Thanks for listening." -Clifford

"I am Mexican and so are you. I noticed all your friends are Mexican. But if you met new people, whether they are white or African American, you might learn something new about them. You might find out you like them. Are you afraid of what you don't know? Here at Boys Town we live with one another and treat
each other as brothers and sisters. I hope you take my advice and learn from other cultures." -Juan

"I am an African-American student and you are a white student. Racism is wrong. I don't think you understand. It causes pain to people who hear you say things so negatively about African Americans. They are human, just like you and me. They have hearts. The way you treat them confuses me. It's not right. You would not like it if someone did it to you and hurt your feelings. You are encouraging a hate group. I don't know why. Please listen to me." -Brandon

"I want to ask you a question. Why do you hate white people? I think it's just because they are white and not African American. Why don't you give them a chance? Here at Boys Town in our house we have African Americans and Asians and whites, and we have learned to be brothers. Father Flanagan said we should learn that and I am happy I did. Thanks for listening." -Josiah

You can learn, too. America will be better off if people learn the lessons of my children.

Boys Town, the original Father Flanagan's Boys Home, is a leader in the direct treatment and care of abused, abandoned and neglected girls and boys. Through 19 sites across the country, the organization directly cares for more than 37,000 girls and boys annually. Boys Town also assists 1.5 million children and parents through its National Hotline (1-800-448-3000), outreach and training programs and community partnerships.