MINNESOTA'S RACIAL GAPS

While David Olson of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce laments the achievement gap in Minnesota schools -- and unfairly lays the blame for that complicated problem at the feet of teachers -- his March 18 commentary ("From 'last in, first out' to 'best in, worst out'") made no mention of the equally insidious and unacceptable hiring gap among Minnesota businesses.

According to the Star Tribune ("Our black-white jobless gap: Worst in nation," March 23), the unemployment rate among blacks in Minnesota is "22 percent, 3.4 times the white rate of 6.4 percent, giving the state the largest gap in the country."

Businesses can't blame the achievement gap in our schools or the bad economy for this crisis. The article cites research indicating that "Twin Cities blacks with education equal to that of whites were still more likely to be unemployed."

The Chamber of Commerce spent $1.8 million last year, far more than any other organization, to lobby Minnesota lawmakers for projects and policies that benefit businesses.

It even authored measures dealing with education and is strongly supporting efforts to limit or eliminate collective bargaining rights for teachers and other public workers.

Perhaps it's time to refocus that energy and effort on ensuring a compassionate, diverse workplace and protecting workers rights.

KIMBERLY COLBERT, MINNEAPOLIS