Last summer’s legalization of gay marriage in Minnesota was an important event many students feel passionate about. While students may feel gay rights is a non-issue, work still needs to be done.

A survey of 292 students recently conducted in some English classrooms by the Echo shows 93 percent of students consider the high school accepting toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community. While these results show acceptance and tolerance on behalf of students, it’s important that our actions reflect our thoughts.

In a separate investigation, Echo staffers posted around the school listened for slurs relating to the LGBTQ population during a passing period Nov. 25 in the B1 and A3 hallways. Eight slurs were heard in a period of five minutes. This investigation illustrates the difference between how students claim to feel, and how they act.

The student body should create the most welcoming environment possible. Several steps must be taken to ensure our actions represent our thoughts.

No student deserves to feel unwelcome in his or her school. We can ensure students feel welcome by eliminating offensive LGBTQ slurs. While students do have a right to speak their mind and have their voices heard, using derogatory and offensive language is no way to do that.

If you hear a student using a slur, politely step in and tell them they are acting disrespectfully. By intervening, we show we care about making others feel welcome. Teachers must also take action when they see or feel a student is uncomfortable.

The issue of same-sex marriage is still controversial. The classroom survey showed 12 percent of students do not support same-sex marriage. It would be hypocritical of students to stand up for those who are being offended by slurs, but not be willing to listen to the opinions of the 12 percent of the student body who do not support same-sex marriage.

According to the survey students agree the people and cultures surrounding them have an effect on their attitude on the LGBTQ community. Sixty-four percent of students said they think their peers affected their attitudes toward the LGBTQ community. Nearly half of all students, 48 percent, said they think their school has an effect as well. It would be naive to think that our actions don’t affect other students.

If the student body feels it is an accepting and welcoming community, it must actively demonstrate that in the classroom, the hallways and at home.