To the editor:

I am grateful, not sorry, for the 68 percent of my fellow community members who voted not to amend the Kansas Constitution. I do not think Lawrence is “behind the times,” as the Rev. (Leo) Barbee stated in the paper on April 6. To the contrary, I think these individuals recognized that discrimination should not be added to our constitution, thereby creating a group of second-class citizens.

Not so long ago, we were asked to abide by laws that made certain racial groups second-class citizens. Returning to that type of thought and behavior, it would seem, would be “behind the times.” Standing up for the rights of all individuals in our diverse world and community is a sign of progressive thinking.

Anne Tormohlen,

Lawrence