I had previously
covered the issue surrounding Rep. Val Winn here. Now, with the longest, and most costly, session in Kansas’ history in the record books you would assume Kansas Republicans were ready to move on rather than press the case against a prominent African-American official.
When presented in committee with legislation that would strip educational funding from DREAMERS, Rep. Valdenia Winn spoke out, noting that the legislation as written was racist and full of unfair assumptions.
http://www.salina.com/...
“This is a racist, sexist, fear-mongering bill,” said Winn, a member of the House Education Committee. “I want to apologize to the students and parents whose lives are being hijacked by the racist bigots who support this bill, because this bill is an act —”
It was then, according to a story in the Topeka Capital-Journal, that Barker interrupted Winn.
“Mr. Chairman, I object,” said Barker, who earlier made a motion to pass the bill. “She just referred to this committee as racist.”
“I said ‘supporters,’ ” Winn replied. “You can do anything you want.”
“I object,” Barker repeated.
“If the shoe fits, it fits,” Winn said. “This is an example of institutional racism.”
Yesterday, in an email send to Pedro Irigonegaray, Republican Erin Davis (R-Olathe) informed counsel that he could not represent his client in the hearing. This came as somewhat of a surprise, as many assumed the hearing -- a hearing called by 9 Republicans aimed at ousting or censuring an African American member from the body on terms that she violated the decorum -- was not moving forward.
When the letter arrived, however, it signaled a shift in the direction of the Republican strategy - one that seemingly included retribution against an African American elected official for referring to a bill as she saw fit.
Topeka has been the scene of some very unfriendly attacks on African Americans over the last two weeks, including KKK distributed fliers in the metro discussing the need for "White Warnings".
With a hearing scheduled for Sine Die, June 26, many progressive and minority groups have deep doubts as to whether this hearing represents the kind of justice we want associated with Kansas.
Equality Kansas, the LGBT Advocacy Group, had anticipated several potential events to end the session and booked the state capital steps and parkway for a planned statement.
Progressive and minority groups have given notice that a protest will be held of this action at 10 am, at the capital where Valdenia Winn will speak prior to her appearance before the hearing.
Kansas Republicans were given every opportunity, contends Democratic leadership, to "Let this one go." Instead, they have decided to press the issue - and of all days possible, they make the news in which we are once again debating the treatment of race relations in America.
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