Landlord Defends "White Only" sign

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/12/us/us-whites-only-pool/index.html?hpt=us_c2

When does learning about history cross the boundaries into inappropriate? In one way or another, most people (if not all) are haunted by their past. This is no exception to countries and cultures. Perhaps one of the most arguably darkest stain upon the cultural robes of America arise from African American intolerance, or racism. While politicians and legislative bodies across the country have attempted to wash out the malignant memory with amendments and laws, many people unfortunately continue to secretly harbor their intolerance--even to this day. Learning about history includes learning about both the roses and the thorns, the good days and the bad. But--coming back to my original question--to what extent do we allow historical details and facts play apart in our life? Many schools and educational institutions provide censorship requirements when teaching children about the holocaust, slavery, riots and rebellions, crimes, etc. Occasionally, we may be required to censor how people display historical artifacts regarding some of these historical incidents.

In Ohio, a landlord recently posted a sign that read "Public Swimming Pool: White Only" outside of her swimming pool. She claimed that this sign was a historical artifact and that her intention for posting it was not racial by any means. Earlier, she and one of her tenants had an argument concerning his biracial daughter. The landlord would not allow the tenant's daughter to enter the pool because she would "cloud the pool because of chemicals she used in her hair."After this argument the tenant claimed the sign was posted outside of the pool.

After reading this article and watching the video I am not convinced of her "historical artifact" rebuttal to the state's insistence for the sign's removal. How could anyone who has seen that sign assume that it was posted because of a historical significance? I imagine anyone who saw that sign would assume it was out of pure racial intolerance. However, on the other hand, asking the landlord to remove that sign might be considered unconstitutional based on free speech, if the landlord actually allowed African Americans into her pool and she did not enforce the sign's message (although it might not be the best advertising for prospective tenants).

--Collin Cannavo

East High Basketball Coach Accused Of Racism

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Reported by: Roxeanne Vainuku

Wednesday, September 07 2011

(KUTV) SALT LAKE CITY - Gianni Ellefsen loved coaching basketball at East High, but what he didn't like was what he heard from the school's head coach, Skip Lowe.

Ellefsen says Lowe made several comments saying there were fewer problems at the school when "we were whiter," he told 2News.

"It was said you can't rely too much on this kid, he could get killed in a gang fight," Ellefsen said Lowe has proclaimed in the past.

Yet Lowe denies the racist claims.

"I've never once said things were worse. I said they were different and that I stand by 100 percent," Lowe said in an interview.

East High Principal Paul Sagers says the differences are a fact: more transportation issues for kids, grade issues, etc.

Sagers says Ellefsen's complaints were investigated and reported to the school district and that the complaints had nothing to do with Ellefsen getting dismissed.

Ellefsen is now looking for another coaching job. Lowe will hold on to his.

To hear more, watch the attached video.

(Copyright 2011 Four Points Media)

I personally find the actions of this coach to be completely unacceptable. I saw multiple news programs broadcast this story and the whole time I was completely taken back by the attitude of the coach. He should not be making any comments that relate to the color of his players' skin. When the coach admitted that he has stated that things used to be different, I cannot help but wonder if the difference is the increased number of minority athletes who are now on his team. If I were a player on this team I would be offended by this comment. I also do not agree with the comments that the school principal has said either. He mentions that transportation and grades have become an issue for players on the team. I get the idea that these issues are mainly coming from the non- white players. The coach and principal need to take the time to consider that maybe these issues are being caused by the poor economic situation, not the race of the players. I also wonder why the assistant coach was magically released from his coaching duties after going public with the inappropriate behavior of the coach, even though they say it was for other reasons.

Do you believe that the school boards actions of allowing the coach to continue to coach are acceptable?

Also, do you think that the coach even recognizes the inappropriateness of his words?

-Kimberly Johnson