EWU’s sad decision

I was heartbroken to read in the Black Lens News that EWU decided to eliminate the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and sever their contract with Dr. Shari Clarke. Dr. Clarke has led a broad and deep, far-reaching program, one that has earned the Higher Education Excellence Award as the No. 1 University for Diversity in Washington.

I used to speak about the “twin evils of racism and poverty” in our country. It is only in the last five years that I learned that African Americans who served in WWII were denied access to the GI Bill for education and FHA loans for housing.

My dad died in WWII and my brother and I attended the UW as undergraduates with the help of his GI Bill benefits. FHA loans made it possible for my family to join the middle class. I have to conclude that it is racism that CAUSES poverty and is therefore, the number one priority to dismantle.

It is not too late for the decision-makers at EWU to confront the mistake they have made. I understand the enormous economic challenges, but I have every faith in the integrity of the president and Board of Trustees to recognize that undoing the fine work of Dr. Shari Clarke and the ODI is not a wise action to take. In light of outrageous racist behavior in our country, I believe this is exactly the wrong first step to make the school stronger for the future.

Mary Ann Murphy

Spokane