Editor’s note: Sequim High School’s Rachael DeAngelo, who teaches Spanish and English, gave her students an assignment to write and submit a Letter to the Editor to the Sequim Gazette on a topic that is important to them. We are happy to publish the students’ letters in this issue and over the coming weeks.

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Disrespect to Hispanics

I am coming here to speak on the sad truth about the hate and disrespect towards Hispanics in Sequim, Washington. The population of Hispanics is 8.5%. This is the most recent comprehensive demographic data from the census in (2020).

In Sequim, there are a lot of Hispanics that live here. I have had many insults because I am Hispanic. In the years I have lived here I have felt like I was not welcome here. I have to deal with these racist comments every single day. Even in the places that are supposed to be the safes place for us Hispanics. For example, in school I have been called multiple names since elementary school. Most of the time I get told to go back to my country.

This year I had went to Costco with my stepmom and my little brother and we were shopping and buying food and I remember some white male and his wife were trying to get by so I told my little brother “Nino van a pasar,” which means “Kid, move they need to pass.” The man told us, “You can’t speak Spanish. That is not allowed.” Why can’t we be treated equally, as we are all equal?

Some of us are born here and others immigrate and we need to be treated with dignity and respect.

Maryclair Torres

Album vandalism

I went to Walmart to buy some albums of my favorite bands. I was looking at TWS and NCT Dream releases, but then I noticed… All of the plastic wrap was removed, as well as the photo cards inside.

Who wants an album without inclusions? I don’t even have a CD player!

I have been a Walmart shopper for my entire life. This is unacceptable!

If I am paying $30 for an album, I would expect to receive all the bits and bops attached!

There is only one solution to this issue: Walmart must strengthen the security in the album section.

I know they are capable of this as well because they were able to add receipt checkers at the exit of the store, and they locked all the electronics behind glass.

What is different about albums? They are expensive and sought after; therefore, they should be locked away as well — it’s only logical. Why does Walmart take better care of phone cases in comparison to albums?

It needs to be fixed.

Clare Turella