Children and CRT shouldn’t be used to restrict speech, and other Tri-City Herald letters
CRT shouldn’t limit information
It is deplorable when children are used as vehicles to restrict speech and knowledge. Recently, Critical Race Theory legislation, passed in several states, seeks to regulate how the nation’s teachers can discuss racism, sexism and other systemic inequalities. Conservative-leaning white parents have argued that schools are placing too much of a focus on race, causing their children to feel guilty about themselves.
School boards and parent groups have challenged curriculum choices and even removed books from school libraries. These actions put fear into teachers about teaching only “proper things” in class. As another example, a legislator is quoted as saying, “I have heard that the presence of the (rainbow) flag in the classroom makes some students uncomfortable,” most assuredly a statement based on hearsay. If a child feels that something in class makes them uncomfortable, then he or she should speak to the teacher, and the issue can be dealt with directly.
This would be a great learning and confidence-building exercise for the student. Adults hide behind their children because they can’t admit their own biases and fears. This is weak, cowardly behavior. And it’s a slippery slope to other, more sinister methods of information control.
David King, Richland
Why vandalize public restrooms?
What is wrong with people who it’s okay to vandalize and destroy public property, namely public restrooms? Is this some new sport or social media challenge among individuals: Let’s see how much damage and vandalism we can do today/tonight to public property?
Personally, I can’t wrap my head around the satisfaction one gains with vandalism and destroying public property. How would you feel if someone did the same thing to your property? I think there are things in our community the responsible individuals could do with their “skills” to benefit public property, rather than destroy and ruin the use of facilities meant for all to use. I for one, use and appreciate the public restrooms.
I’m afraid they may become a thing of the past as the city will close all of them due to repair costs. I don’t see porta potties as an option as they would most likely be vandalized too. The nearest tree maybe? Or hope you make it home in time!
Laurie Hutton, Richland
Reader cites facts of immigration
Far-right activists and politicians in the U.S. have been inflaming xenophobic sentiments against immigrants since the 1990s. They have asserted that immigrants are flooding the U.S., depressing wages and taking American jobs, committing terrorism and high rates of crime, imposing a high financial burden on the government and assimilating unsuccessfully into the American culture. Violence against Immigrants has resulted.
Let’s examine the facts. Our legal immigration rates are well below historic averages and those of other advanced nations. Immigrants mostly fill low-paying jobs that Americans don’t want and those for which Americans lack sufficient skills to meet demand. For 90% of native-born workers, immigration either raises wages or has no impact.
Terror acts committed by permanent immigrants are very low; most terror acts committed by foreigners are by foreign visitors. Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Most immigrants pay more in taxes than they consume in government services; immigration has an overall net positive impact on government balance sheets. First-generation immigrants are learning English at near past rates; second- and later-generation immigrants are highly fluent.
Legal immigration is working. Don’t allow xenophobia to undermine it. Call out those who use disinformation to promote violence against immigrants.
Russ Treat, Richland
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 11:12 AM.