I am writing in response to a Press-Banner opinion letter, titled “Racism is not acceptable,” written by Mr. Geoff Kirkpatrick (published Dec. 28).

I am an Asian-American woman who has called the San Lorenzo Valley home for more than 26 years. My two young adult children were born and raised here. Like Mr. Kirkpatrick’s Filipina wife, I have fielded questions regarding my origin and race, even though I was born in California and have no foreign accent. It is my feeling that most people who ask such questions do so out of ignorance and/or insensitivity. On occasion, I have also experienced racism in subtle forms here in this valley. I believe that racism is a learned behavior based on fear and mistrust.

There is a community group here in SLV that seeks to educate our young students in regards to racism and diversity. The San Lorenzo Valley Equity Committee is a small volunteer group of community members, school staff and administrators who believe that through education, we can best influence attitudes of the next generation to become more tolerant and respectful of one another’s cultures and belief systems.

The SLV Equity Committee sponsors yearly diversity training at the high school and junior high. (“Breaking bigotry,” Dec. 20 Press-Banner). These trainings teach effective tools that help students combat racism and challenge them to learn to respect others who are different. The SLV Equity Committee also supports a weeklong diversity cultural celebration, which the high school students organize.

I welcome Mr. Kirkpatrick and others interested in the continuing work of the Equity Committee to join us at our next meeting, Jan. 29 in Room 102 at San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Highway 9, in Felton.

Becky Yee Perry, Boulder Creek

co-chairwoman,

SLV Equity Committee