As a graduate of (Texas State), an educator, and current member of the (Texas State) Alumni Association, I am embarrassed and disappointed by the opinion piece regarding race that the University Star chose to publish. The tripe expressed in the piece does not start “conversation,” it simply compounds confrontation. I was honored to deliver the commencement speech for my graduating class (Dec. ’88). I spoke of the importance of diversity and acceptance and how the university afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all races and cultural backgrounds. It was a lesson that has enriched my life. If in fact Mr. Martinez has only encountered a handful of “decent” white people in his life, perhaps the issue is with him and not an entire race of people. I hope maturity will bring reflection and wisdom to Mr. Martinez.
Thank you,
Joe Eliaz