ETHNIC DIVERSITY
Editor: On behalf of the 1,223 students, 80 staff members and the thousands of alumnae, please accept our sincere thanks for the very fine article, "Best Western," featured in the Sun Magazine on Oct. 30, 1994. The author, Traci Johnson-Methena, so vividly and accurately captured the history and spirit of our grand institution. The feature set a marvelous tone for the sesquicentennial commemoration which began the next day.
In this era of cultural pluralism, I was somewhat surprised to note that the photographs of our current student body did not reflect the ethnic diversity of Western High School. As you know, the Baltimore City Public School System emphasizes multiculturalism -- that is, the inclusion and valuing of all cultures. Multiculturalism pervades all aspects of the education process and setting. We are extremely sensitive about excluding anyone. I am hopeful that the readers of this very fine article realize that at Western we have students of varied ethnicities and we treasure and respect all. This diversity has long been an intricate and respected component of what makes this school unique and memorable.
It is my request that when other articles are published in The Sun, they will capture, reflect and affirm the value of cultural diversity. If we are to make a difference in this nation, this is not only the job of the schools, but of the media and every other institution of our society.
Anne D. Carusi
Principal, Western High School
A REFRESHING RETURN
Editor: I have been reading The Baltimore Sun since the late 1930s.
For many years, I enjoyed the Sun Magazine, as it usually dealt with stories and concepts of local interest. For the last five years or so, I am sorry to say that I felt as if the Sun Magazine were part of the Ladies Home Journal.
Your story on Edgar Allan Poe, written by Doug Birch ["The Passing of Poe," Oct. 2], was most refreshing. I hope that this marks the return to some of the previous story policies of this magazine.
Thanks for renewing my faith.
Richard L. Griffin
Fenwick Island, Del.
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