Letters: OneJax, UNF split may be a sobering sign of things to come

I received an email on March 8 from OneJax, an interfaith organization dedicated to achieving civility, understanding and respect for all people. For the past 11 years, it has been located on the UNF campus and associated with the university.

The email informs OneJax supporters of a mutual split from UNF, which apparently is due to the strict rules imposed on state colleges and universities by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his loyal supporters. Kyle Reese, executive director of OneJax, is quoted as saying that the "current political climate in our state is impacting every state university, and we do not want the core mission and vision of our 53-year-old organization to be restrained or restricted."

In other words: If you want to continue to be an organization reflecting diversity, civility and respect for all people, it's best to separate yourself from our state's finest educational organizations. What a sad commentary on our times — not just here, but all over the state.

Teachers are already leaving the profession in droves and I cannot imagine that the narrow requirements being imposed on our universities will improve our desirability as places to teach and learn. It may take years to undo the damage that our current state leaders are inflicting on all levels of Florida's education system.

The split between OneJax and UNF seems to be an early example of what will be happening more and more as Florida continues to go backward. With the Legislature in session now, no telling what other draconian measures will be passed that divide us instead of unite us.

Rhoda London, retired teacher, Jacksonville

Church offers resources on physical health, too

Through scripture, we find God’s guidance to good health. One of my first goals since coming to Woodlawn Presbyterian Church was to establish the Health and Wellness Ministry, whose purpose is to serve the Lord by providing health connections for our congregation and the community we serve.

3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

The County Health Rankings report, produced by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, ranked the counties in Florida on factors known to impact health outcomes. Among Florida’s 67 counties, Duval County ranked 48th for health outcomes and 35th for health factors in 2016.

Thus, a “Spring into Wellness Health Fair” will be held at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

Open to all adults and children in the community, the purpose of the event is to increase health awareness through education and prevention. There will be basic health screenings, the Baptist Buddy Bus, blood pressure checks, dental health and chair massage. A variety of informational booths will also be on hand, designed to help the community learn about the many health-related programs, services and providers located in our community.

We are excited about providing this health fair to our community, and the church is located at 3026 Woodlawn Road in Jacksonville. For questions or more information, contact Mary L. Brown at mrybrn@comcadt.net or Avis Mathews at abm2858@comcast.net.

Rev. Don Johnson, pastor, and Mary L. Brown, chair, Fellowship and Coordination Committee, Woodlawn Presbyterian Church

Fed up with smear tactics

I am fed up with the race for mayor of Jacksonville, and in particular all the negative ads.

I collected ad cards that showed up in my mail. Of 12 ads, five had no positive presentation of any candidate’s priorities and plans. I looked at the fine print to see who was primarily responsible for this negativity: a fund called “Building a Better Economy.”

A quick online search shows that is the name for a campaign fund for candidate Daniel Davis. In a WOKV radio interview last week, Davis briefly said something about negative ads — that it happens in any election. He didn’t mention that he is the chief purveyor in this race of these smear ads. That includes those running on TV.

What kind of mayor does not take responsibility for his own ads? That would be one who likely won't take responsibility for city functioning either — always looking for a scapegoat for anything that goes wrong.

First, he smeared Cumber, then Ferraro. That tells me that any Republicans near him in the polls are his next target.

Robert Vergenz, Jacksonville

Praise for OneJax, UNF coverage

Thank you for the reporting by Beth Cravey and Steve Patterson on March 15 about the decision by the OneJax board and executive leadership to disaffiliate from UNF. The horror of attacks on specific groups in our community — typically religious, racial and others — is perpetuated by dismantling programs and activities fostering inclusion and equity. OneJax must go forward with their important work.

I fear the headline actually shifts the focus of readers away from the essence of your reporting. The “irreconcilable differences” appear to not be between these two institutions, but with actions by state political leaders. This was a “split” in recognition of the political pressure and state government intrusion into the work of universities, which affects OneJax.

OneJax appears to be leaving on good terms with UNF and comments from both Rev. Reese and UNF representatives reflect commitment to their ongoing efforts. Both seem to be working hard to continue their missions.

Eric Wester, Jacksonville

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: OneJax, UNF split the tip of the iceberg as state keeps going backward