Racism Exists In Utah Schools

That should not be the case

The State Capitol in Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah is a state in the Mountain West region of the Western United States. It is the thirteenth-largest state by area and has a population of over three million. It is the eleventh least densely populated state.

When I was growing up in Utah just south of Salt Lake City decades ago, there were very few minorities. My Asian American siblings and I were often the only minority in our classes when we were young children. There was not a lot of diversity.

Even though we were a distinct racial minority, we did not feel extreme racism. Yes, there was some racism with name calling and exclusion at times, but it was not overt and extensive. I enjoyed my childhood for the most part and did not experience a lot of racism. I had good friends who included me and with whom I am still friends.

Things are reportedly different with racism now in Utah. Racism has been shown to exist in Utah schools and to be a problem.

Utah has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for thousands of years. Native Americans are an important part of the history of Utah, but they have suffered some extreme racism.

Salt Lake City is a beautiful area that is mostly welcoming. The headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in Salt Lake City where the pioneers settled in the 1840s. As a worldwide church, the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourage the love and acceptance of all people. There are now slightly over half of the population of Utah who is members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Unfortunately, there have been many cases of racism in Utah schools reported in recent times. Asian American, Native American, and African Americans as well as Latino students have been affected. Bullying has become a major issue.

Utah has become more diverse over the past few decades. You know that there is a racism problem when school districts make the national news because of racist problems and policies. When racial minority children are committing suicide because they are bullied and face racism, there is a big problem.

Racism has likely always been in Utah to some degree from its beginning days. It may have been ignored or accepted in the past as a way of life. Racism is never a good thing, and it should end.

[Reference: Wikipedia]