To the editor:
Black Lives Matter is just as important in Brown County as it is anywhere. Its basic concern is abolishing discrimination of any sort. Discrimination seems to be more easily found in Brown County than previously. It seems to be not only more prevalent, but also more aggressive.
Discrimination is often subtle. However, the essence of equality is totally lacking and the omission is easily recognized by the recipient. I first experienced discrimination in Brown County about 20 years ago and it is still occurring, but I am now in a situation that allows me to speak out against it.
As a woman in science at a time when there were few women in science makes me overly sensitive to discrimination. My major concern then was to be certain that I would not be fired for a trumped-up reason; I wanted to be able to buy food so that I could eat. As a result, I worked diligently at half pay with the highest ethical and professional standards as possible in what were mostly unsupportive, negative environments. The extra quality work paid off. Later, I received both national and international recognition as a scientist.
I know what discrimination is, and it is obvious to me that my friends and acquaintances who live in Brown County and who are members of minority groups, such as Blacks, Latinos, ethnic Chinese, etc., do not receive the common courtesies expected by others. This is intolerable and must be changed.
My dad was born in Brown County, but grew up in Bartholomew County. Most of his ancestors in the previous three or four generations were born and lived in Brown County until those ancestors who helped organize the county. Half of my DNA comes from Brown County people and I am proud to have such a solid connection with Brown County.
For over a century, Brown County has been a unique area which has attracted creative and artistic people as it still does today. However, citizens of minority ethnic groups do not feel welcome to attend or to participate in many of the numerous social opportunities in the county. Acceptance into the community is lacking.
This disparity between reality and treatment was emphasized when recently, I was honored by a well-known company which has been monitoring my accomplishments yearly for over 30 years. I received their Lifetime Achievement Award. Detailed information about my career is now online. To acquaint yourself with this information, just Google: “marquis sarah clevenger.” The material was prepared by Marquis and reviewed by me. After the list of my publications, there is a place to click to bring up the second page.
This recognition gives me the credentials which are difficult to be denied and it allows me to speak out for those individuals who are the recipients of discrimination and non-acceptance in Brown County.
Nonprofit organizations, since they do not pay taxes, are regulated by federal laws and are monitored by the state. You can find a list of nonprofit organizations arranged by county on the webpage of the Indiana Secretary of State. Since they are tax-free, nonprofit organizations have an obligation to the public. Every member of a minority group should be made to feel welcome at any function of a nonprofit organization in Brown County. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
How can we eliminate this discrimination that is now occurring in Brown County? Can we have open discussions to resolve differences? What can we do as individuals? What can we do as small groups? Do we need an ombudsman to help ameliorate each case as it arises? The time to act is now before the situation becomes worse. This is a problem that we can work on when things are closed down by the virus regulations.
What can we do to make Brown County once again the friendly, charming place for everyone, that it used to be? Discrimination has no place in Brown County.
Sarah Clevenger, PhD., Bloomington
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