[Inside Higher Ed]

At many colleges, human resources officials are leaders in promoting equity and diversity among those who study and work together. And while colleges periodically debate views of various officials that are seen as biased against various groups, it is highly unusual for the head HR official at a university to be the source of such a controversy. But at the University of Toledo, a column in a local paper by Crystal Dixon, the associate vice president of human resources, has set off such a debate and resulted in her being placed on a paid leave, pending possible further action.

In the column in The Toledo Free Press, Dixon asserted that gay people can change their sexual orientation and questioned how gay people could ever be considered “civil rights victims.”

Wrote Dixon: “As a Black woman who happens to be an alumnus of the University of Toledo’s Graduate School, an employee and business owner, I take great umbrage at the notion that those choosing the homosexual lifestyle are ‘civil rights victims.’ Here’s why. I cannot wake up tomorrow and not be a Black woman. I am genetically and biologically a Black woman and very pleased to be so as my Creator intended. Daily, thousands of homosexuals make a life decision to leave the gay lifestyle….”

Read more here.

[From me]

Why has she been suspended?  For stating a fact?  Give me a break.  She states the obvious and gets suspended.  What happened to free speech?  Oh, that’s only if your abide by the political correctness policies in our nation. Sad.

What do you think? 

[Dallas Morning News]

The incendiary quotes of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright were like the O.J. Simpson verdict: a cultural lightning bolt illuminating a chasm between the races, followed by thunderous arguments.

Many white people reacted to sound bites from Dr. Wright’s sermons with, “Is he crazy? How could anybody be so wrong?” Many black people said, “He may be wrong on some details, but there’s nothing crazy about his message.”

The controversy is letting white America in on what was well-known to black Americans: A profound distrust of government and other institutions is preached in varying degrees from black pulpits – and shared by many in the pews.

Dr. Wright’s sermons are national news now because he was the pastor of presidential candidate Barack Obama. While most of his provocative claims are grounded in fact, Dr. Wright has asserted that HIV and crack cocaine were government plots aimed at African-Americans – claims that most historians say are false.

Read the rest of the article here.

[From me]

I don’t for a moment believe the US government has had plots against African Americans.  However, I don’t think we can discount everything he has said.  If you haven’t noticed, I’m not black.  So, how can I talk about racism?  I have seen racism and it makes me angry.  But I’ve never experienced it.  

What I have learned especially discussing issues with people in person and on the internet is there is a whole lot I don’t understand.  I can’t imagine the humiliation that many African Americans endured since our country was born.  I can’t begin to understand the mistrust many of them have towards white Americans and our government.  I’ve always trusted the police, but some African Americans have endured abuse at the hands of law enforcement just because of their color.  

I have heard out of the mouth of church members, nasty words about African Americans. Some of these people were leaders in the church.  I’ve heard off color jokes about African Americans that I didn’t find very funny.  Yes, I said something too.  So, maybe pastor Wright is a little off base.  But, I haven’t walked in his shoes.  

I’m curious if any African Americans who read this will share how your feel.  I’m sorry for any pain you may have endured because of the color of your skin.  I will try to be more sensitive and not so defensive.

What do you think?