As a Native community member, I am shocked at your irresponsible Facebook poll gauging reactions to the controversial “Pilgrims and Indians” party. I expected more from your paper. Regardless of personal views, this survey methodology is flawed and biased. Why are there two “yes” options but only one “no”? The “no” will automatically win, because it is not split into two groups. Also, I am shocked that your “no” answer states that people are overreacting. This judgmental option does nothing to further campus or community dialogue or discussion. It shuts down the conversation, rather than opening it up. It puts down the other opinion by trivializing it as an overreaction. I ask you to close this poll and encourage you to carefully consider nuance and openness in future efforts to cover this issue. Your poll only serves to further marginalize people who feel offended by the party. Rather than encouraging a teaching moment, your poll tells the Native community and its allies to shut up and that you intend to sweep this controversy under the rug using the banner of overreaction.
Sincerely,
Erica A. Scott
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