Pastor urges Davis to reconsider Erie County DEI board dismissals
I am disappointed over Erie County Executive Brenton Davis' decision to dismiss board members of the Erie County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission.
President Trump's case of a stolen election was brought on the basis of "appearances" of illegalities. Those court battles have left deep wounds in the skin of our nation, third-degree burns. President Trump lost the "appearance " argument 99% of the time.
Does Mr. Davis' rationale for dismissal pass the moral test?
Though he had the legal right to dismiss, did he have the moral and ethical right to do so? Just because something is legal doesn't make it morally right. Slavery was legal, but was it moral, ethical and just?
Does Mr. Davis' rationale for dismissal pass the what I call the "spiritual business model" test? Most county citizens understand county government's role in creating an environment conducive to present and future prosperity. Erie County tax dollars are used as leverage for millions of dollars in additional federal and state grants. The spiritual business model leverages the capital and volunteerism of city and county citizens for grants as well. Such volunteers partner with secular nonprofits to provide social and emergency services to the least and most needy among us. Has Mr. Davis included in his rationale for dismissal the legacy of volunteerism from Caucasian, Black, brown and other people of color's contributions to the county budget in tax savings?
Does Mr. Davis' dismissal pass the "give-success-a-fair-chance" test? How old is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission? It held its first meeting just over a year ago. What are its short- and long-range goals? Even in business startups does it not take at least three to five years to establish a firm foundation worthy of patron support? How long has it taken hundreds of for-profit and nonprofit businesses and, or organizations to diversify?
Does Mr. Davis' rationale take into consideration the moral spirit of unified partnership test? Have there been needed conversations about equitable partnership development? Have there been any in-service training sessions for both the county administration and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commissioners? In other words, were Mr. Davis' concerns systematically addressed in a way that honored immediate and long-term objectives, in a way that honored the dignity of all persons? There is a belief among many city citizens that peaceful resolution was not given a real chance: It never is whenever some persons are treated as adults and others as children. We have been taught that most of the time it is not what was done, but how it was done that mattered the most.
It is not too late to hit the rewind button and reinstate all persons who have been dismissed. Together, the County Executive and the commissioners could work things out as honored adults. Otherwise, things could continue morphing into long, drawn-out legal battles that leave city and county citizens further exhausted by COVID-19 and politics. Furthermore, there are more than enough bridges in need of repair. Let's not further destabilize and possibly destroy the bridges to social services that connect us morally and ethically to most needy — children and senior citizens.
Just because it is legal to do something does not mean it is the right thing to do. When the issue is right versus might, moral versus legal, moral and ethical plea-bargaining behind the scenes should be given a fair chance.
Rev. Charles Mock, retired pastor, Erie
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Do Davis' DEI Commission board dismissals pass the morality test?
