Letters to the Editors

Diversity pledge must be fulfilled

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 17, 2001

Superintendent David Hickey said at the School Board meeting Tuesday evening that his recommendation for the director of personnel for Citrus County Schools was one of the toughest decisions he has ever made because the two top candidates were extremely well qualified. I believe him.

Steve Richardson and Terreta Charles both have excellent educational credentials, a wealth of teaching and administrative experience, good character and winning personalities. Having known Mr. Richardson for nearly 15 years and Mrs. Charles for about three years, I have great respect and personal regard for both.

As a black female educator, Mrs. Charles carries an additional qualification that is difficult to measure, but which is significant. Simply stated, she has a deep understanding of the importance of cultural diversity in our society and in our school system. I'm sure that Mr. Richardson also realizes the importance of this issue, but I doubt if he or any white person has the kind of intuitive insight that comes from the lifelong experience of grappling with this issue daily on a deeply personal level.

I certainly do not have that kind of in-depth experience, but growing up as a foreign child in Angola, Africa gave me some understanding of this issue. In particular, the experience of being a stigmatized minority child in a Portuguese school has given me an empathy for minority perspectives that continues to this day.

Is the issue of cultural diversity in our schools truly important? Does it matter whether we have students, teachers and administrators from various cultural backgrounds in our schools? My answer is that it matters for at least three major reasons.

First, in our world of constantly increasing cross-cultural contacts, it is vitally important for young people to gain real understanding of people of other cultural backgrounds. Book knowledge helps, but positive real-life experiences with people of other cultures is more valuable.

It is helpful for all students to have good teachers from various cultural backgrounds. Minority students need to have at least a few excellent minority teachers as positive role models, but they also need to have a variety of other good teachers. Equally as important, white students benefit from having a variety of teachers, including excellent minority teachers. Such cross-cultural educational experiences are truly valuable in helping to break down false cultural stereotypes.

Finally, in the real world of today, young people and adults must bridge differences in order to be most successful. Greater understanding of others will be increasingly vital in all aspects of life in the future. Such understanding must begin in our schools. We want teachers who are able to inspire children to excel in their studies, but it is equally important to teach them understanding of others. This is absolutely essential if we hope to ever bring healing to the fractures and divisions that keep this old world of ours in such turmoil.

Superintendent Hickey made a pledge this spring that he would give high priority to hiring and promoting minority teachers in his administration. He reaffirmed that pledge at the School Board meeting this week. I appreciate that and look forward to seeing his pledge fulfilled.
-- Ed Dodge, M.D., Inverness

Keep personal issues away from hiring decision

Editor: This letter is for Superintendent David Hickey:

I, as well as many of your other supporters, feel an explanation is necessary regarding your recent hiring decision.

During your campaign, you and I stood outside Publix waiting for a busload of Democratic supporters to arrive. They never did, but we talked for about 30 minutes covering many issues. After our conversation, I devoted many hours, in many ways, to help get you elected.

I realize you do not have to explain yourself to me. However, as an ardent supporter, one who would like to continue in that way, I need to know your reasons for choosing someone who does not seem to be the "best man for the job."

You state, it is a "personal" issue regarding your choice. What is "personal" about hiring for a public position? One might say that in light of the resumes of the two candidates, your choice seems more political or racially motivated than anything else.

I admired and supported you for the office of superintendent; I really have to know where you are coming from on this issue.
-- Howard M. Cutler, Hernando

Do the right thing with water refunds

Editor: Re: Water customers lament loss in court, June 12 Times:

This is in response to the refund of the rate overcharge to both Spring Hill and Sugarmill Woods. If the courts cannot figure out a way to refund those persons who paid higher rates by having the water company produce its records, then that money should be donated to the community.

I am sure the residents who have paid will not object to having the money returned to their area to do something positive, rather than allowing Florida Water to keep it because they can't determine who is supposed to get it.

Let's see if the powers to be can exert some pressure on the court to do the right thing.
-- Rich Boothby, Spring Hill

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