To the editor:

Condemnation of the Leavenworth County commissioner’s reprehensible comments about a “master race” has been appropriately swift. But, let’s not forget the individual at whom those hateful words were directed, simply for doing her job, as well as the broader impacts of racist language on a community.

The urban planning faculty at KU are immensely proud of our graduates, who include Ms. Triveece Penelton and two Leavenworth County planners. Urban planners are problem-solvers, listeners, defenders of social justice and advocates of vibrant and healthy communities for all people. Planners can also be the targets of anger, distrust, and, as we saw this week in Leavenworth County, even outright racism. Serving the public interest is challenging on a good day. Ms. Penelton’s significant skills and expertise as a planner shone brightly even in the face of the commissioner’s shocking statements. We recommit ourselves to calling out both blatant and subtle racism in society. Our communities deserve nothing less. On behalf of the KU urban planning program faculty,

Stacey Swearingen White, director of KU’s urban planning program