This week, our community saw an example of exclusion in the name of inclusion.
In a piece written by Lewis County Seniors President Carol Brock for the Senior Dynamics publication, it was announced the nonprofit’s board has banned prayer and political discussion in the county’s senior centers.
In the article, Brock defined the term “inclusion” as “the action or state of including or being included within a group or structure. The practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of minority groups.”
But the policy is not very inclusive.
Lewis County Seniors is a nonprofit organization that operates within public buildings from Packwood to Pe Ell, with locations in Chehalis, Toledo and Winlock as well. Lewis County Seniors accepts funding from city, county and state sources.
I would very much like to know whether this new restriction on private prayer violates provisions of funding sources. It certainly appears to violate the constitutional rights of senior citizens.
Even if it is constitutional, it is certainly not inclusive.
Senior centers are places for community members to get a nutritious meal, gather and engage in fun and enriching activities. That could mean a public event, a game of pool or simply a private group of seniors sitting in the corner reading the Bible and praying.
It seems the latter would be banned under the new policy.
Brock and the Lewis County Seniors took it one step further, too.
Not only is prayer banned at the centers, but apparently discussion about politics is not allowed, either.
Brock wrote that this means “no politics, no discussion on candidates, campaigns, (local or national), memorabilia, or displays of political parties or issues.”
It is noteworthy that Brock is also chair of the Lewis County Democratic Party. I mention her political ideology because the policy seems to ban the political speech for traditionally more conservative and Republican senior citizens.
Does this mean no discussion about the “highest in the nation” gas prices? What about long-term care discussions? The policy would prevent a group of seniors from sitting around the table drinking coffee and talking about the issues important to them and their family.
Lewis County Seniors have sponsored events where elected officials discuss local issues such as property taxes and exemptions. Would that be banned under the new policy?
Brock and Lewis County Seniors do emphasize in the article that it is acceptable to celebrate and discuss LGBTQIA+ issues and holidays. Aren’t some of the issues related to LGBTQIA+ political in nature?
It is peculiar that Ms. Brock would highlight the importance of LGBTQIA+ issues but ban prayer and discussions about other important political issues. Why ban all political speech, but for LGBTQIA+ issues?
The Lewis County Seniors have largely garnered widespread support from the community, and I hope the community continues to support the nonprofit. It is an important community asset, one that was nearly lost when the county reduced its support several years ago.
However, this disappointing policy will no doubt cause many to question the board and look at current and past policies through a more skeptical lens.
I hope the policy is reconsidered and the Lewis County Seniors Board chooses to truly be inclusive.
•••
Chad Taylor is owner and publisher of The Chronicle. He can be reached at chad@chronline.com.
