We just learned that Gov. Gary Herbert is creating a multicultural COVID-19 advisory panel as a subcommittee to the state’s coronavirus task force. This sounds like a commendable endeavor, but to me it seems like merely another effort by establishment majority figures to placate Utah’s ethnic minority communities.
If ethnic minority input is really important, why aren't the potential members of the subcommittee on the task force itself? I have sat on similar subcommittees at the state level, and while it is an honor to be appointed to such an advisory body, the power to actually influence policy is negligible. We often felt like second-class citizens when our advice was ignored by the decision-makers.
The Tribune tells us that "Herbert cited language and cultural barriers as one factor for minority groups being hit more by the pandemic." This is true, but even more important, especially for Hispanics, is the fact that these are the people who are working at places like WalMart and fast-food restaurants. No wonder Hispanics make up 33.4% of all COVID-19 cases in Utah.
I ask Herbert to not treat ethnic minorities like the adults who have to sit at the Thanksgiving kids' table, but to let us sit with the other adults at their table.
Luciano S. Martinez, Murray
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