Editor:
I would like to respond to “Comments Offend Some LDS Students” in the April 10, 2002 edition of The Chronicle, in which some students who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said they felt that they had been accused of racism by association. First of all, as a member of the LDS Church, I feel that Mr. Niang is a visitor to our city and culture, and we are his host. Perhaps his culture has given him different experiences that have affected his opinion.
Mr. Niang felt that the LDS Church was an example of a social institution with which the students could identify. However, he was only briefly informed about how leaders are chosen in the church. Mr. Niang said, “The LDS Church is an example of institutional racism because competent black Mormons are excluded from leadership positions,” when leadership positions in the church are based on inspiration, not personal choice. Choose for yourself which stance you believe.
Secondly, he was accused of asking what religion the students belonged to. If the students felt this was an invasion of their privacy, why did they raise their hands and comment on the leadership of the church?
In conclusion, when a person claims a belief in a church, then he or she becomes a representative of that church and belief system. I do not believe that Jesus Christ would ask for the suspension of a person at an institution because he offended someone with a comment. Do we need to make a point by asking for our “pound of flesh,” or can we try to understand the person’s background and opinion? Is it worth destroying someone’s reputation?
Becky McKean, Administrative Assistant, Center for Ethnic Student Affairs