Opinion : Letter to the Editor: In defense of Diversity

As a racial minority raising a multi-racial family in a community where racial minorities make up less than 5% of the population, I know firsthand the desire for diversity, inclusion, and representation. But when we think about diversity, it will inherently include people and beliefs we may not agree with. I've read both letters from Brooke Kruckenberg and Deb Hesson, and they do not ask for books to be banned or even removed from displays. In fact, they are actually asking for more diversity in the books that are prominently displayed to include books reflecting their religious beliefs. They are also not asking that certain books are not read during storytime but instead are requesting to simply know ahead of time what books may be read so that they can make informed decisions for their family, just like we would preview ahead of time what our children watch on T.V., at the movie theater, or engage in on the internet. This is not censorship but wise parenting. Publically villainizing and condemning these women for their religious beliefs is very counterintuitive to the message of diversity and inclusion.