To the editor:
I taught critical thinking for 30+ years, and I always cautioned my students about referencing articles that begin with biased titles. I was terribly disappointed by the title “Local nonprofit apparently fired longtime employee over Palestine activism“ when The Indy reported on a workplace fallout.
First, why was this even worthy of being reported on? Healthy workplace dynamics are a thing of beauty, and literally any business or institution that can boast 10 years of positive dynamics should be proud. But positive dynamics are typically short-lived because we are human. Passion Works is at the heart of our community. So many of us know and love Patty Mitchell, her staff, and the PW artists. As a 25-year volunteer, I can attest to the fact that the studio has always been a welcoming space — regardless of anyone’s background or affiliation. Political conversations are an important part of who we are as a nation, but as with all things political, especially in a professional context, sensitivity is essential. I’ve known Patty Mitchell since the 1980s and I have never known her to be anything but compassionate. It has taken her many years to build something all of us can be proud of. I’m sorry things turned ugly for a few of the staff. Unfortunately, that’s life. Anyone who has ever been employed has been there. Conflict, at its best, creates fertile ground for growth. I can only hope that everyone on every side of this story has come away wiser.
Deni Naffziger
