Diversity training should be inclusive

If the goal is for Linn County Supervisors to become familiar with the cultures in our area, then I suggest it not be limited to the religion of Islam. The Gazette article on May 24 quoted Supervisor John Harris as saying Islam is 'a culture, like Latin American or Czech,” but I believe the majority of the Muslims in our area are from Lebanon. So, that being considered, if you want to do a cultural study, why not consider including the other Lebanese/Syrian populations in our area?

The focus on Islam has obscured the other Arab immigrants to the region. You don't have to minimize the Muslims, but you shouldn't fail to recognize the other Lebanese groups that came over, including the St. George Orthodox Church and other organizations that are connected to Lebanese/Syrian culture. That would be the true definition of 'diversity education,” to learn how they came to Linn County, both Eastern Orthodox and Muslim, and study the contributions they have made to our community. I think that would be a very interesting study.

Ann Roehrkasse

Hiawatha