The appearance of new “Thank You St. Louis Park Police” signs around the community sparked some debate over whether these signs help create an inclusive community.

In light of recent occurrences in Minnesota and around the nation, some students  have said they feel the signs may be perceived by others in Park as being offensive and creating an unsafe environment.

With such violence and uneasiness occurring between police and minorities, the signs may further separate these two groups, who are already quite divided.

After the July 6 shooting of Philando Castile by a police officer, the already tense relationship between Minnesota police officers and minorities heightened.

According to Jodi Johnston, who created these signs, her original desire was to thank the community and its law enforcement.

Although that may have been her personal intention, the editorial board believes the community may have a vastly different perception.

These signs may potentially further inflame tensions between police and people of color.

Park must continue to foster discussion between residents about controversial issues plaguing our nation.

Dialogue is the primary method to relieve tensions between law enforcement and minority communities. Displaying a sign in the yard does very little to ease poor relations.

The editorial board believes members of the community should take the time to discuss with their neighbors the perceptions they may have about these signs.

This is important because their intentions for putting up the signs may not be what community members see.

Fostering an open, peaceful and productive conversation is the only way to bring an end to the issues plaguing our society.

Everyone deserves to come home safely and feel welcome in their neighborhood. We believe discussion will best alleviate these relations within the school and community.`