Zoe's Office Hours - July 12

[bigdamnprincipal]

In the eternal battle of principal vs. paperwork, Zoe was actually winning for once. Of course, there was a lot less going on this summer. She didn't want to think about what her desk would look like once the actual school year started again.

Comments

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"State our point of view respectfully and clearly, and ask for a slight change on the event," Willow said.

[lovechildblair.livejournal.com]

Blair tried not to be disappointed that sit-in was not in the plan. "What change are we asking for?"

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Something more open and welcoming," Willow said.

[lovechildblair.livejournal.com]

"What are you prepared to do if they won't change their mind. Boycott? Protest? Petition?"

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Petition," Willow said. "Rory suggested it."

[lovechildblair.livejournal.com]

"Good, I'm glad you have a backup plan." Blair nodded and then leaned against the wall to wait for Bridge.

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

Who shows up just then. Despite the fact that there's an hour between the times these two comments were posted. suspension of disbelief!

"Hey, guys."

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Hey, Bridge!" Willow said. "Thanks for coming!"

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

"No problem," Bridge says, smiling slightly. "So... is anyone else coming or are we ready to brave the Principal's office?"

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"We're ready," Willow said. She squared her shoulders and knocked on Zoe's door.

[bigdamnprincipal]

Zoe looked up at the knock. Surely, the sense of forboding she was feeling was just indigestion. "Come in."

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Principal Washburn?" Willow said, poking her head in. "May we have a moment of your time?"

[bigdamnprincipal]

"Oh, sure," she said, waving the group in. "How can I help you?"

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

Willow swallowed, trying to steady her nerves. "Um. I'm Willow Rosenberg, this is Blair Sandburg, and this is Bridge Carson. We wanted to talk to you about one of the events for the summer?"

[bigdamnprincipal]

"Which event?" Zoe asked, trying to be as non-threatening as possible, for the moment.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Christmas in July?" Willow said. Yes, she could say things and still end them with a question mark. It was Willow.

[bigdamnprincipal]

Zoe thought for a moment, but nothing particularly bothersome came immediately to mind. "What about it? We did schedule it for July, didn't we?" she said, glancing at her calendar.

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Oh, no, you did," Willow assured her. "It's just, well, some of us were wondering if we could maybe make the event more inclusive? Like to those who don't necessarily celebrate Christmas?"

[bigdamnprincipal]

Zoe looked at the three of them. "Do you all not celebrate Christmas?"

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"The three of us are Jewish," Willow said. "But it's not just us. There are students here who aren't from Earth. And it's not that anybody hates Christmas or anything - um - ma'am. But if it's a school event couldn't it maybe be something where the fun could come from everybody's background? Not just one?"

[lovechildblair.livejournal.com]

"We understand that with such a diverse student population that it would be hard to incorporate everyone's religious holidays at once." Blair bounced, trying to reign in his Damn the Man attitude. "But if that can't be done can we at least call it something that's neutral and doesn't seem like the administration is honoring one religion and tradition above all the rest?"

[bigdamnprincipal]

Even Zoe had to admit, that was a pretty valid point. "I suppose this means a lot to you, if you've taken the time to come here to talk to me, doesn't it?"

[lovechildblair.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, it's not just about the event. It's about the message it sends." Blair nodded seriously.

[bigdamnprincipal]

"Well, we certainly don't want to send the wrong message," Zoe replied, managing to sound just as serious as she looked at the calendar again. "I don't think so much planning has gone into this that we can't find a more...appropriate name."

[lovechildblair.livejournal.com]

Blair blinked. "Seriously, man? That's so awesome!" He bounced cheerfully and looked over at Willow and Bridge. "Thanks a lot!"

[willbedone.livejournal.com]

"Yes!" Willow said, finally daring to take a proper breath. "Thank you! Very much! And if there's any way that I can help, I'd be happy to. It's only fair."

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

"Thanks, Principal Washburn ma'am!" Bridge says, feeling the strange urge to salute. He opts for a thumbs-up instead.

[bigdamnprincipal]

Zoe figured that happy students meant she'd done something right. "You're all very welcome."