This letter to the editor was posted in the Gillette News Record on November 25th, 2025. You can read the original letter online HERE.

I have written a letter to the editor once before, discussing the lack of care for the community by all but three council members when the council discussed taking away funding from Gillette Reproductive Health in June.

Since then, the sentiment has stayed the same. The majority of the council still seem to be ignoring their community, so much so they voted to have public comment for the repeal of the malicious harms ordinance after they had already voted to repeal at the second meeting. It is very clear they have no intention of listening, and yet they wonder why Gillette is losing its community.

It was mentioned a couple times during both meetings that “there is nothing for people to be afraid of.” I would like to mention the times this was brought up, it was by white men blessed with privilege since the day they were born. Of course you feel safe, you’ve never had to worry about your safety so whether we have the malicious harms ordinance or not, it doesn’t affect you. Yet so many people in the community have brought their stories of how they have been hurt or fear for their safety on a daily basis, and you still show no sympathy.

I am a 20-year-old woman who was born and raised in Gillette, and I have never been so appalled by our leaders. Seeing the council try and repeal the malicious harm ordinance tells me they have no care for people’s lives and safety especially the youth. When the younger generation is responsible for the future of this community, it should be important to you that we feel safe and heard. This topic is not “political” or “divisive” as a couple council members have said before. It is basic human decency that people feel safe in their community. To appeal this ordinance would be unjust, simple as that.

Amelia Jacobs

Gillette