Letter to the editor:

Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) is a local volunteer organization with a mission to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn from and support each other in our common humanity. Because of our passionate belief in the basic humanity of all peoples, we are writing to express our support for the immigrants who have chosen to make Whitewater their home.  One of the greatest strengths of our nation is its ability to welcome people from multiple cultures and backgrounds. Our community has been no exception to this tradition. In recent years, Whitewater has welcomed immigrants from many diverse nations. The resilience, values, hard work, skills, and determination they bring has been integral to the growth and prosperity of our small rural community and its surrounding farmlands. Immigrants to Whitewater contribute to our economy, volunteer in our schools and nonprofits, start small businesses, and are integral to our community fabric. 

This respect for newcomers to our community is why we were disturbed to hear a recent series of presentations by local law enforcement leaders and state politicians that suggest the rise in immigrants in our community is directly related to increases in crime. We are saddened and disappointed to learn that some of our trusted local law enforcement would engage in such misleading rhetoric against an already marginalized and vulnerable group of Whitewater community members.  It is especially concerning to learn that some local leaders are perpetuating stereotypes by making public statements to the effect that immigrants are farm or factory workers by day and cocaine dealers by night.  We commend all members of law enforcement for their dedication to maintaining public safety and their willingness to put their own lives at risk to protect ours. And we need to increase funding and support for our police. However, building trust between the police and all local residents, regardless of background, is paramount for effective community policing, and such language is both harmful, and drastically oversimplifies complex social issues. Increases in crime are influenced by a myriad of factors including socio-economic conditions, education, and community resources.  It is crucial that we avoid scapegoating any particular group and instead work together to address the root causes of crime in our community. 

Whitewater is made stronger by the diversity of its residents, and we encourage our local leaders, business owners, and community members to work together, and to foster unity and collaboration across diverse groups in order to best address the challenges we face as a community. Whitewater is our home, and we seek to support all the people who live, work, laugh, and love within its borders. As we move forward, let us strive to create an environment where all residents, regardless of their background, know that they are valued, respected and welcomed. For only by doing so, can we ensure our small community continues to thrive and promote unity, respect, love, and trust, and this will send a positive message to other communities.

Margie Stoneman

Co-founder, Whitewater Unites Lives