Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
OGDEN — A United Way of Northern Utah official and former Weber State University political scientist offered a rebuke to critics of diversity, equity and inclusion programs at a ceremony to welcome 126 immigrants as new U.S. citizens.
"In today's upside-down political world, some people say diversity, equity and inclusion are scary words," Bob Hunter said at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony in Ogden on Thursday. "They are not."
He also referenced the heated debate about immigration as the nation wrestles with rising numbers of immigrants trying to enter the United States illegally via its southern border. "Immigration is a difficult subject these days. We talk about putting up walls and sharp fences," he said.
Naturalization ceremonies are typically held in the Salt Lake City area, but U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services held a ceremony in Ogden last year and again on Thursday, in part, given the diverse population in the northern Utah city. Ogden is home to more foreign-born and Latino residents than Utah as a whole and has a higher share of people who speak languages other than English at home, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Given that backdrop, not to mention the diverse makeup of the contingent taking the oath of citizenship, Hunter, the keynote speaker, offered a defense of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities, traditionally aimed at helping students of color and other marginalized groups navigate college, have come under fire from conservative critics in Utah and across the United States. They say such programming is discriminatory because some white people won't automatically fall under its umbrella.
Hunter, though, painted diversity, equity and inclusion efforts more in terms of aiming to foster communication and understanding among people of different countries and cultures. He previously served as director of the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics and Public Service at Weber State and, as head of United Way of Northern Utah, where he now serves as public policy adviser.
"Diversity, equity and inclusion are not scary words, but they are beautiful words that lead to beautiful experiences," Hunter said.
Hunter alluded to his travels and experiences as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a worker for the U.S. Peace Corps. Prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts will lead to "a successful country and a successful life," he said.
Per legislation approved during Utah's 2024 legislative session, HB261, public universities, including Weber State, must revamp their diversity, equity and inclusion programs to broaden their scope to all students in need, including white students. Defenders of diversity programming see such change as a step back in the push for civil rights for all.
Other speakers at Thursday's ceremony offered welcoming words to those taking the oath of citizenship, who came from 38 countries and now live in locales all across Utah.
Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski encouraged the new citizens to be involved in the community and to engage with community leaders. "This is a life-changing moment for you," he said. "It's the beginning."
'A dream come true'
The new citizens, for their part, expressed excitement at their new status.
The 126 immigrants simultaneously read the oath of citizenship with their right hand upraised, directed by Michael Crabtree, who leads the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Salt Lake City. Then some offered their sentiments in a microphone passed around the crowd.
"This is a dream come true for all of us," said one speaker. "This is important for all of us, and we are happy to be part of the country."
"This is a wonderful and great land, and I fell in love with it," said another woman.
After the event, several offered similar comments.
"I want to have my freedom and to be a better person for America," said Lal Zir, originally from Burma and now living in Woods Cross.
The largest contingent of new citizens came from Mexico, gauged by those who stood up earlier during the ceremony as Crabtree asked representatives from each country, one by one, to take to their feet.
