Policy should be changed

Nov. 10 was my last day as an employee of United Way of Snohomish County as a result of its new policy that requires agencies to adopt a United Way approved nondiscrimination policy in order to receive future funding. Private agencies have a constitutional right to set their own standards of leadership and membership so in regards to the Boy Scouts. The new United Way policy is in opposition to their faith-based (religious) beliefs so they are being discriminated against.

It is hypocritical that this year United Way of Snohomish County funded a program for homosexuals (a newspaper/zine for and by gay, bisexual and lesbian youth) yet now has a policy that in the future will not fund a program for heterosexuals (Boy Scouts of America). It is blatant selective discrimination that diverse sexual orientation is supported but diverse faith-based religious values will not be supported. If United Way truly wanted to follow their standard of “making sure that we follow a course that ensures we are serving the greatest number of people in need,” then a private agency who has faith-based values that serves a huge number of youth should be eligible for funding.

United Way thinks it is now more inclusive with this new policy but is actually more exclusive since there is at least one agency – Boy Scouts – that will no longer receive funding. Due to the board’s total disregard of religious faith-based values, I had to hold firm to my own values and resign. I can only hope the United Way Board will reconsider its decision since the people of Snohomish County will show their support or lack of it with their money.

My husband and I are Silver Feather Leadership Givers who will no longer give money to United Way until this selective discrimination issue is rectified. Keep in mind that it is not us who are hurting the community by not donating to United Way but that the board did this by its policy change. It will take more effort but we will continue to donate to our community but just not through United Way. I encourage everyone to let the United Way know the will of the people of Snohomish County.

Everett

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, May 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Wildfire smoke builds over Darrington on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in Darrington, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Loss of research funds threat to climate resilience

The Trump administration’s end of a grant for climate research threatens solutions communities need.

Among the programs sponsored by Humanities Washington was a Prime Time Family Reading Event at the Granite Falls Sno-Isle Library in March. (Rachel Jacobson)
Comment: Loss of humanities grants robs us of connections

The loss of $10 million in humanities funding in the state diminishes what celebrates human creativity.

Comment: Democrats’ tax plan aimed at ‘villain,’ hit consumers

The governor should veto a B&O tax increase that will hit food prices at stores and restaurants.

Comment: Compare tax choices of 3 states and watch what happens

Idaho and Montana cut their taxes. Washington raised taxes to historic levels. Will an exodus result?

Forum: Know how to reach out and help someone in crisis

Mental Health Awareness Month offers an opportunity to learn how to help those in need of services.

For its Day of Service, Everett’s VFW Post 2100 delivered subs — Heroes for Heroes — to first responders in the city.
Forum: Everett VFW post delivers ‘Heroes for Heroes’ for Day of Service

Honoring the city’s first responders, hero sandwiches were delivered to fire, police and 911 facilities.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, May 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Air Force One touches ground Friday morning at Boeing in Everett.
PHOTO SHOT 02172012
Editorial: There’s no free lunch and no free Air Force One

Qatar’s offer of a 747 to President Trump solves nothing and leaves the nation beholden.

The Buzz: What do you get for the man who wants everything?

If you’re looking to impress President Trump, better have a well-appointed luxury 747 on hand.

Schwab: Taken for a ride by the high plane grifter

A 747 from Qatari royals. Cyrpto-kleptocracy. And trade ‘deals’ that shift with Trump’s whims.

Saunders: Saudi visit puts Trump’s foreign policy on display

Like it or not, embracing the Saudis and who they are makes more sense than driving them elsewhere.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.