SUFFIELD, Conn — Story by Vincent Casinghino, Suffield High School
In Suffield High School's Agriscience program, one student put in the work to make a lasting change on our nation's Plant Identification Registry.
In 2022 Molly Katzman, a member of Suffield's FFA chapter, started caring for a new plant. Its common name "The Wandering Jew" was initially a point of pride for her, assuming it was based on stories from her own Jewish faith.
However, her curiosity led her to research the actual origins of the name. She discovered that the name belonged to an anti-Semitic folktale from the 13th century, which was later proliferated by the Nazis during World War II.
Resolved to bring the issue to light, Katzman wrote a speech dedicated to explaining the history of it, and why titles based around dangerous stereotypes deserve to be changed.
"No one wants to find out that something they loved was based in hatred, but unfortunately that's what I discovered. [...] I love working on floral ID with my fellow Floral CDE team members, but now, every time I reach the end of the list, I will be reminded of a terrible part of history that is still affecting my life."
Her writing made an impression. Molly got in contact with a member of the FFA Board, and her work warranted that the topic be brought before Connecticut government.
After its impact on the state, the issue was moved on to the national level. Now in the United States, Tradescantia zebrina's common name is officially "Silver Inch plant."
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