Crawford County Democratic Party Denounces Representative Chuck Smith's Comments on DEI

Pittsburg, Kansas – February 2nd, 2024

As the Crawford County Democratic Party Chairperson, I wish to address the recent remarks made by Representative Chuck Smith during a House Higher Education Committee hearing on January 31, 2024. The statements made by Rep. Smith are not only inappropriate but also deeply concerning, reflecting a misunderstanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles and their importance in fostering a just and equitable society.

First and foremost, the use of personal anecdotes to justify opposition to DEI initiatives is problematic. While Rep. Smith's references to his family's diversity might be intended to establish a connection to DEI issues, they instead trivialize the systemic and institutional challenges that DEI efforts aim to address. Diversity in personal relationships does not exempt one from the responsibility to understand and combat systemic inequality.

Moreover, Rep. Smith's comments about his athletic experiences in high school, and the comparison to his Black friends, are misplaced and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Athletic ability is not a measure of an individual's worth, nor a benchmark for discussing equity. Equity is about ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities, recognizing that we do not all start from the same place due to systemic barriers.

I denounce Rep. Smith's comments in the strongest terms. His remarks demonstrate a lack of understanding of DEI principles and underscore the need for continued education and dialogue around these issues. It's crucial that our elected officials lead by example in promoting inclusivity and understanding, rather than diminishing the importance of equity and diversity.

The Crawford County Democratic Party is committed to advocating for policies and practices that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that understanding and addressing systemic inequalities is fundamental to building a community and a nation where everyone can thrive. We invite Rep. Smith and all members of our community to join us in this important work, to listen, learn, and lead with empathy and a commitment to justice for all.

Contact:

Dr. Emily Walters, MD, PhD, Chairperson

Crawford County Democratic Party

emily@crawfordcountyksdems.org