Merrillville Councilman Leonard White reversed his earlier stance and said he would vote for and sign the town’s statement on diversity and equality.
White, D-7th, who is Black, was the only council member to vote against the statement at a previous meeting.
It will also be signed by department heads.
White said at the time that he wasn’t voting against the statement because he’s against diversity or equality, but because he didn’t feel it reflects what’s happening on the council. He has long aired his displeasure at being appointed to only one committee this year.
“I had no pressure to change. I just think it’s the right thing to do,” White said Tuesday. “I wanted to show a unified front. I’m on board with it.”
He said he felt he had to make a statement with his earlier no vote. He said he didn’t receive one negative call from his constituents as a result.
Council President Rick Bella, D-5th, said White’s change of heart allowed him to sign the forms that night.
Bella said there would be a signing party for department heads to sign several copies of the statement, two of which would be framed and displayed in the lobby at town hall, two at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center and one in all other town buildings.
The statement reflects the town’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It states that the town’s elected leaders and department heads “believe in creating a space where all employees and visitors feel included, respected and equal no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, physical/mental disability or any other trait or characteristic.
“We will strive to promote diversity and inclusion throughout our town government, uplifting our community through education and outreach opportunities.
“Together, we pledge to acknowledge the universal truth that all persons are created to be unique and equal, and we promise to honor that each and every day,” the statement reads.
The statement was written after elected officials and department heads participated in a diversity training program, and comes on the heels of one council member, Jeffrey Minchuk, D-3rd, apologizing and stepping down as council vice president after a photo of him appearing in blackface and posing with someone dressed in a Ku Klux Klan robe some 20 years ago was circulated on Facebook.
Minchuk took additional training following the incident.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
