Discussion group focuses on race relations in schools

Diana Sahagun

Thursday, June 11, 1998 | 11:12 a.m.

Las Vegan Jose Luis Melendrez tells the story of his Hispanic fiancee, who was told by her high school counselor that even though she was an honor student, she should consider becoming a carpenter.

She rejected the advice, and last week graduated from Harvard University, Melendrez says.

Now Melendrez is asking: Was her race a factor in the counselor's advice?

Melendrez, regional representative for Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., thinks it probably was.

His story and similar ones from other people were shared among community leaders this week during a "One America" discussion about race relations sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

"One America" conversations are part of a one-year effort begun by President Clinton to address race relations throughout the country.

"The main goal is to engage in a dialogue on how race affects how we view daily activities, to the point that it generates barriers," said Rose McKinney-James, CEO and president of the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources.

As participants broke into small groups to discuss the influence of race on either the economy, education or employment, the consensus from the groups was that education is the most pertinent issue affecting Las Vegas.

Donald McLeod, a juvenile probation officer and representative of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was adamant at the start of his small group session.

"I am very happy to be here. This issue on race is long overdue," he said.

The group discussions revolved around problems and possible solutions regarding race in education. Some issues debated were the lack of resources and materials available to poorer schools and built-in racism in the school district.

"People need to get to know one another," McLeod said. "People you work with, do you really truly know them?"

Participants also elaborated on the need to remove racist tendencies from schools and the need for special teacher training to understand cultural issues and differences.

Many said they were optimistic about the future of race relations in Las Vegas.

Gary Waters, of the state Board of Education, said he will take the ideas discussed to the full board.