11/17 Letters: UNC Center for Civil Rights should be allowed to litigate

Regarding “State Bar says UNC civil rights center is not authorized to practice law” (Nov. 10): I am appalled to learn that the most vulnerable in our state may soon be unable to receive legal aid provided by law students at UNC. The students need practical experience; the recipients need help. I cannot imagine a better combination of talents meeting needs.

UNC is notable for both its academic excellence and its service to the state. The Center for Civil Rights at the UNC Law School is only one example of that service. Recently, a medical student at UNC Hospital operated on my shoulder to remove a melanoma. She was supervised by her professor, but she made the incision, removed the tissue and sewed up the wound. Will medical students be the next target?

Helping foster kids

Regarding “Grant aims to get older foster children in adoptive homes” (Nov. 13): I appreciated the article highlighting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption grant to triple the number of workers looking for adoptive homes for children older than 9 who need parents. We salute the generosity of foundations and the efforts of the State of North Carolina and area agencies to help children in foster care find permanent homes.

It is important to recognize that in Wake County, 30 to 40 young people age out of foster care each year without finding a permanent home. They face daunting statistics regarding unemployment, homelessness, unplanned pregnancies and incarceration. At The Hope Center at Pullen, we work with these young people to provide them with the supportive environment they need for a successful transition to adulthood. We collaborate with public and private partners, donors and volunteers to help them locate housing, continue their education, find internships and jobs, gain financial literacy and life skills and get treatment for their mental and physical health needs. As a community, it is our responsibility to help these young people thrive.

GRMA ‘damaging’

Regarding “WRAL floats likely excluded from Christmas parade” (Nov. 9): The current discourse about the Raleigh Christmas parade is very disappointing. The way we are disparaging the most consistently community-minded corporation in the Triangle is disturbing and leaves us with many questions.

One is, has Raleigh outgrown the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association? As a 501(c)(3), it is very unusual that the board members are not listed on its website and the behavior of the executive director as portrayed in the news is highly unprofessional and damaging to our city.

I hope all parties involved can use the purpose of the parade (and the holiday) as a guide to finding a solution that supports the community and lets us get back on track for a fun and uplifting day together. Quit raining on our parade.

This story was originally published November 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "11/17 Letters: UNC Center for Civil Rights should be allowed to litigate."