Letters: KC readers discuss targeting Black shoppers, NCAA testing and Chiefs’ defense
Not a crime
Twice in the past month, I have heard on the police scanner calls for help because a Black person had simply entered a store. One was about a woman with a baby and a large purse. She hadn’t done anything, according to the caller, but “looked” like she might. Could her large purse have contained baby items instead of being a place to hide stolen goods?
Dear store owners: Black people entering your store is not reason to contact the police. When these snobbish stores report a Black person even though the patron has done nothing illegal they should be charged with filing a false police report.
Dear police: When are you going to step up and tell these snooty businesses that a Black person entering their stores is not a viable police report and that they could be penalized for false reporting?
I am so sick of “Black fear” being blasted throughout the community I live and shop in. Stop calling our skin color a crime. Stop labeling us criminals when we have done nothing wrong. Yes, we have a few bad elements in our community, but so do you and every other culture.
- Laurie Todd, Olathe
Yes to tests
As a university instructor for more than 40 years, I disagree with much of The Star’s Oct. 25 editorial, “Standardized testing is not needed in the NCAA,” (7A) which supports the NCAA proposal to eliminate standardized testing for prospective athletes (as well as others).
The real question: What is the likelihood that academically underprepared high school athletes can be legitimate and successful students in college? Many freshmen face academic challenges, and how would they fare if we demanded an additional 40 hours a week from them through participation in sports?
Yes, many athletic departments have extensive and expensive academic support programs for their athletes. But what about Division II programs? And is the same level of support offered nonathlete students?
If a testing requirement were eliminated, would this hurt the academic efforts of some high school athletes because they no longer would have to meet a minimal admission standard to play ball?
Every student has the right to go to college, but who wins if a student goes for a semester or two and drops out because of poor academic skills? And now they might owe thousands?
Community colleges have open admission and offer numerous programs, and they are better equipped to assist underprepared students.
- Terry C. Rodenberg, Greenwood, Missouri
Unequal play
A reprehensible example of gender discrimination was shown in Monday’s sports section. The story, “Olathe North, led by senior Margheim, wins gymnastics title,” about Olathe North’s gymnastics team winning first place in state competition, was on Page 6B. This is a huge accomplishment and deserved front-page placement.
Besides the insult to the team, the fact that Ella Margheim took first place in all-around and won each of the four events should have been on the first page of the sports section. If this were a men’s team in any other sport, the front page would have celebrated this big deal.
- Doris L. Landis, Kansas City
It’s time, Chiefs
When are the Chiefs going to start playing defense? There is no excuse for them to be this bad for this long. I read that coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is the one to fix the defense. When does he plan to start? He has been around a while, so maybe someone new is needed. This is getting ridiculous.
And Patrick Mahomes needs to regain the focus he had before he got $500 million. Maybe he is spending too much time with all his other activities and has lost his focus. He is much better than he is playing.
I love the Chiefs and want them to live up to their potential.
- Constance Brennan, Fulton, Missouri
