As community members, as taxpayers, and particularly as parents, we were struck by Tirza and Raven’s bravery as they spoke their truth to power — literally — to a room of white adult decision-makers. We were simultaneously infuriated that the behavior they had experienced was tolerated, and sadly unsurprised by reports of racism occurring in our schools. What was most disappointing, however, is what it took for us to listen. If school leaders had been doing their jobs advocating for the youth and families in our communities, students would not need to put themselves into a position of extreme vulnerability to be heard — or for us to listen.