Postville, Iowa - Discord Over Diversity Erupts

Postville, Iowa - Growing discord over ethnic diversity in the community has resulted in cancellation of the town's festival. The controversy erupted when City Councilman Jeff Reinhardt wrote a letter to the local newspaper in May 24. In it, Reinhardt addressed diversity in a manner deemed offensive by some residents of the community, which is made up of more than two dozen nationalities.

The controversy increased when the city's entire staff of 13 employees disavowed Reinhardt's remarks in their own letter to the Postville Herald-Leader. In addition, the City Council cut funding for the Visitor's Center. That led to cancellation of the Taste of Postville, which highlights the city's many ethnic heritages.

The town -- population of about 2,300 -- changed significantly in the past 15 years, in large part because of Agriprocessors, a kosher meatpacking plant owned by Orthodox Jews. The company employs about 800 people, predominantly immigrants.

In his letter, Reinhardt said one group of residents "wants to isolate itself, by dressing a little differently, keeping their children out of our public schools and wanting a different day for the Sabbath." He said another group "sends money back to other foreign countries and brings with it a lack of respect for our laws and culture, which contributes to unwed mothers, trash in the streets, unpaid bills, drugs, forgery and other crimes."