Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sees 'evil' in campus diversity initiatives
Hits & Misses
By Katharine Biele @kathybiele
Satanic Panic
We had to look up the definition of "evil" after Gov. Spencer Cox invoked it: "Profound immorality and wickedness, especially when regarded as a supernatural force." Our governor, who called on us to pray for rain, does believe in supernatural forces. If, as he said, our universities "bordered on evil," he must be seeing some supernatural element to their diversity policies. When they say the devil's in the details, they mean it. Cox, however, missed the details. Universities are not requiring employees to sign diversity, equity and inclusion documents, as several academics told The Salt Lake Tribune. Salt Lake Community College, "seeks to cultivate an environment of respect and empathy, advanced by diverse cultures and perspectives," and asks "What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity?" If Cox sees that as evil, he isn't paying attention to the country. The evil definition gives this example: "the world is stalked by relentless evil." Governor, that's not from diversity or inclusion.
Swing and a Miss
As long as we're talking about evil, let's ask Congressman Burgess Owens what he thinks. First, let's make clear that he really hates Black Lives Matter. In an op-ed for Fox News, Owens condemned BLM as a terrorist organization. "Even after witnessing BLM's disgusting response to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, some schools refuse to sever ties to BLM," he wrote. Because so many Americans "believe" anything they hear, here are the facts—PolitiFact, for example. "Black Lives Matter is not a terrorist organization nor a terrorist movement—and no responsible source would describe it as such," David Sterman, an international security senior policy analyst at the New America think tank, told PolitiFact. Same from the Anti-Defamation League. We're pretty sure Owens probably thinks BLM is run by antifa—another misunderstood movement. Instead of fear-mongering and untruths, Owens might try other media organizations, like The New York Times, where Masha Gessen—a Jewish writer—wrote a thought-provoking piece on the shadow of the Holocaust. Difficult issues require broad thinking.
Extra! Extra!
Present company included, Utah has witnessed a shrinking media environment over the past decade. With fewer reporters and a diminishing news landscape, Utahns should welcome a new outlet covering state policy and politics. The Deseret News reported that the group is forming under the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which is active in all but two states. If you've ever thought that news from either The Salt Lake Tribune or Deseret News has been insufficient, for whatever reason, you'll be glad to know that the States News network draws from a national donor base. Any bias that comes with Utah media will likely be dampened by a national focus. As the Legislature readies to lay its heavy hand on Utahns next year, we can look forward to some competition at the state level.
About The Author
Katharine Biele
A City Weekly contributor since 1992, Katharine Biele is the informed voice behind our Hits & Misses column. When not writing, you can catch her working to empower voters and defend democracy alongside the League of Women Voters.
More by Katharine Biele
-
Utah Republicans reject election security program in the name of election security.
Hits & Misses
- Apr 24, 2024
-
Deseret News poll shows Donald Trump skating to another victory in Utah.
Hits & Misses
- Apr 17, 2024
-
LDS General Conference dominates local news while stories on diversity and discrimination take a back seat
Hits & Misses
- Apr 10, 2024
- More »
Latest in Hits & Misses
