Soccer Board’s Action Appalling

I must say that I am appalled at the recent decision to oust Herm Flores as a member of board of directors of the Orange Junior Soccer Club.

From the account in The Times (“Soccer Official Evades the Boot After Remark,” March 15), it appears that Mr. Flores is correct in accusing Roger McClanahan of making racist statements. Two statements were quoted in The Times’ article: “McClanahan’s mouth acted before his brain did” and “It flew out of his mouth before his brain kicked in.” Just the fact that he didn’t think before he opened his mouth proves that these comments are his true feelings.

This soccer board is an example of the silent acceptance of racism that is perpetuating prejudice in our society today. The last paragraph in the article says, “Most of the people on the board said, ‘Oh, that’s the way he is. That’s just Roger.’ ”

The board members are mistaken if they don’t believe that they too have demonstrated their own prejudice. By keeping McClanahan and dumping Flores, they are putting a stamp of approval on racism. Why else would they oust Mr. Flores for speaking his true feelings and yet retain Mr. McClanahan?

If the board members thought that by ousting Flores, it would quiet their situation, they are mistaken. I hope that all of Orange County makes a public outcry against their actions. Perhaps it’s election time for a new soccer board?

MONA V. BANKS, Santa Ana