Color Scheme

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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Accomplishments deserve note

The widespread and sensationalized revelations about Rachel Dolezal’s ethnicity are calculated to destroy her reputation, her career and her life.

Dolezal has been a valuable member of the larger community embracing the northeastern corner of Washington. She revitalized the hitherto moribund local chapter of the NAACP and is a respected and productive member of Eastern Washington University’s teaching staff. Her accomplishments are important and deserve to be commended. She is instead being pilloried.

So what if Dolezal has technically dissembled her racial origins? Is it reprehensible that she has chosen her ethnic identity and is a member of the African American community? After all, have not innumerable African American men historically passed as white?

Jim Haas

Pullman

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