Hate Crime Deplorable; So Are Cook’s Words

Re “Three Boys Arrested in Assault,” March 11:

Hate crimes are not acceptable or tolerated in our city. We decry all bigoted and vicious actions. Please know this attack does not represent the thinking of the majority of Huntington Beach residents. Most of us take great pride in our community and enjoy the cultural diversity that enriches our quality of life. Many of us devote time and effort to help celebrate that diversity and to encourage the support of human dignity for all people.

Through the work of our Human Relations Task Force, we have made progress in Huntington Beach. This shameful event is a wake-up call that our work is far from finished. We will continue efforts to make Huntington Beach a community in which people live together in peace, understanding and mutual respect.

Fred B. Provencher

Chairman

City of Huntington Beach

Human Relations Task Force

Huntington Beach

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I am greatly saddened by the racially motivated attack on Aris Gaddvang, a Filipino American, only blocks from my home. I have personally seen racial hatred directed toward my wife, a Filipino American. But what bothers me are the comments made by Mayor Debbie Cook, who called on schools to do more to educate young people about racial tolerance.

Having been a teacher, counselor and public school administrator, I’m tired of politicians placing all the ills of society squarely on the shoulders of schools. Cook’s comment suggests that schools aren’t doing enough, that these 14-year-old boys did not learn anything about racial tolerance in school.

Ms. Cook then says, “I sometimes wonder what’s going on. Is it problems that are inherent in the schools that need to be addressed?” What an irresponsible and insulting remark for the mayor to direct at schools.

I have worked in racially diverse schools for 18 years, and I can tell you that racial hatred and bigotry begin in the home. No amount of education will undo what is acceptable at home.

Racial hatred is not innate but learned. It galls me that Cook would imply that schools have anything to do with these hatemongers. Schools are asked to teach children about manners, proper behavior, morals, good characters, drug abuse, sexual harassment and, yes, racial tolerance.

We also fit in math, science, history, English, physical education and many other worthwhile subjects. Racial intolerance is not a problem inherent in schools. The mayor’s irresponsible implications further erode the spirit of hard-working, dedicated educators who form the backbone of American culture and society.

Michael Velez

Huntington Beach