Letters

As a 1983 graduate of Southampton High School, I was pleased to learn of the Wall of Distinction that has been honoring graduates and those from the school community since 2014. This year’s class included a well-deserving set of individuals, and I offer my own congratulations to each and every one of them [“Southampton School District Announces Inductees Into Its Wall of Distinction,” 27east.com, April 24].

My concern is not with those who have been selected but more specifically about those missing from the list, year after year.

As Cailin Riley’s award-winning feature in The Southampton Press reported [“The Legacy Of Title IX, 50 Years Later,” 27east.com, June 21, 2022], since 1972, Title IX has mandated equal opportunities for girls and women, in all educational programs, including sports. In this, the 50th year of Title IX’s existence, I found it both disappointing and disheartening that not one woman was inducted into the Wall of Distinction.

We all know many who have come through this district who have distinguished themselves as athletes, professionals or community members and who would have been outstanding additions to the 2023 class. In fact, of the 39 individuals recognized over the years, just seven have been women, and of the seven athletic teams, only one has been a girls team.

I know the process for selecting award recipients can be challenging, but such a disparity is problematic in my opinion.

I offer the following two suggestions for consideration: To members of the community, consider nominating folks you know who are deserving of recognition; there are so many who have made key contributions to our school. And to the district leadership and selection committee, please consider diverse representation as you make your selections for this prestigious award. This may require initiating an extra effort to reach out to the community for nominee identification.

Historically, girls and women have not been afforded the same opportunities as their male counterparts. As an optimist, I believe this is shifting and that highlighting the accomplishments of women and other marginalized folks goes a long way in keeping the momentum toward equality.

Julie Muller

Southampton