Letter to the editor: Haut should get an apology and her job back

I am a Stutsman County Social Services success story because of Margo Haut. I spent most of my life afraid of social services because my abuser told me not to trust them, and that they would harm, not help us. It took the care, attention, dedication and personal sacrifice of two social service workers who routinely exceeded their job description to show me how wrong he was!

Haut and Julie Opp were the dream team for my family. They put in countless hours, conversations, follow-through, guidance and support, cheerleading us on! It took many different factors to guide my family from crisis to healing. The skills and services provided by the professional team she assembled made fertile ground for my positive choices to bloom.

I consider Haut an amazing blessing. She not only displays the highest echelon of professionalism, but she is fulfilling her purpose in life by giving to a cause worthy of sacrifice, families and children.

It’s hard to find children who have not been affected by bullying. I have lived all over the country and this town has an epidemic of children disrespecting adults, peers and themselves. Change happens one person at a time, each of us taking responsibility for teaching our children how to respect themselves and others by our example, which is more valuable than words. By the way, this country’s fundamental design is based on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. Our First Amendment right to free speech protects all of us.

As a mother, Haut spoke up in defense of her child’s right to attend school without harassment and as a social worker she has seen bullying in her line of work. At no point did she ever claim to represent her agency. It is ludicrous, ridiculous and offensive to me that they consider the public they serve ignorant enough to believe she was terminated for any other reason. They are bullying her!

She has not only been wrongfully terminated, but she should get her job back and receive an apology. Social Services needs to take an active stance on bullying, since the agency exists to protect children from abuse, and bullying is abuse. It is appalling that they are not involved in a course of action for peer abuse, suicide, depression and delinquency that is so prevalent in our community. How can parents guide their children to a better way without a clear law backing them up? The agency needs to set the example by respecting their employee’s rights to free speech instead of bullying them to silence!

It should be called “Margo’s Law” in honor of her dedicated stand for the eradication of bullying.

Mary Joy Wadkins

Jamestown

Tags: opinion, letters, bullying