On Feb, 28, I read a column in the Tribune opinion section written by a group of the rich, famous and powerful members of our society. The theme of their combined influence was to coerce the Utah Legislature into changing the name for Dixie State University.
I suppose that they either do not know or have forgotten who it was that threw the tea overboard and who it was that stormed the Bastille.
It wasn’t the rich, famous or well-born who started Dixie College, named it and kept it going through good times and bad. The writers of the column in your paper have joined with the current crop of interlopers who are trying to cut the heart out of pioneer Southern Utah. Why?
Have we not contributed our share to the state and nation?
Dixie graduates compete with the likes of all those who signed the article.
If the term Dixie is so obnoxious to Gail Miller, maybe she should prohibit Dixie Paper Products from being used in all her businesses and start a campaign to force the company to change its name. Perhaps, we should see a big sign in each Zion Bank that says, “NO DIXIE PAPER PRODUCTS USED HERE” or, perhaps, “NO PERSON OR BUSINESS NAMED DIXIE NEED APPLY FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A LOAN.”
Lisa-Michele Church should know better. Her direct ancestor is among the pioneers listed on the Encampment Mall Monument located in the heart of Dixie State University. I suppose her rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous has washed the soil from her pioneer roots.
Bring forth that horde of people who have been harmed by the term Dixie as it is used in Dixie State University.
If these so-called community leaders who want a name change were to be fair about their argument they would call for a public vote on the matter and settle it once and for all.
Heber Jones, St. George
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