Editor:
I am writing in response to the recent incident involving Amadou Niang and his comments regarding racism within The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. I would first like to state that it is inappropriate to verbally attack anyone for an association with any particular group, nor is it fair to single anyone out for an action undertaken by the group as a whole. However, I feel that an academic or intellectual discussion involving criticism of the majority is necessary in promoting positive societal evolution.
Dismissing Niang for criticizing the majority, in this case the LDS Church, will further promote ignorance and intolerance in respect to minority rights. In a place such as Utah, where one group holds unwavering control over nearly every aspect of the community, it is extremely important for an academic institution like the university to defend minority rights as well as nurture productive discussion and heated debate involving the critique of majority actions.
If members of the church are so outraged by Mr. Niang’s comments, is it possible that they are part of the problem? Perhaps they should turn their outrage inward. Why is it that only four blacks hold leadership roles within the church? What have those who are outraged by Mr. Niang’s comments done to combat such structural inequities? How many women or other minorities in general hold leadership roles within the church?
My message to the minority is simple. Protect your rights. If nothing is done today, we will soon be victims of our own inaction.
Zack Simons, Junior, Economics