Vermont's Only Black Female Lawmaker Withdraws Re-Election Bid After Racist Attacks

[JHan]

The state of Vermont’s lone black female lawmaker, Rep. Ruqaiyah “Kiah” Morris (D-Bennington), announced that she will not be running for re-election this year, in part because of the overwhelming amount of racist threats she’s received.

Morris, who won the Democratic nomination earlier this month, shared her decision to withdraw her candidacy last Friday on Facebook. If elected, it would have been her third term as a representative for the state’s House.

“The last four years of service have been incredible; an enormous honor and significant responsibility,” Morris wrote. “The last two years have been emotionally difficult for many. Political discourse, and in particular within the sphere of social media has been divisive, inflammatory and at times, even dangerous.

“It is my hope that as a state, we will continue to demand greater support and protections for one another from those forces which seek to divide and destroy our communities,” she added, along with a list of her accomplishments working within the Vermont legislature.

https://www.theroot.com/vermonts-only-black-female-lawmaker-withdraws-re-electi-1828694474

On Facebook Kiah wrote:

Kiah Morris VT State Representative
24 August at 10:13 ·
Friends, Neighbors:

I send this statement to announce my withdrawal of candidacy for re-election as a state representative for Bennington District 2-2.

The last four years of service have been incredible; an enormous honor and significant responsibility. The last two years have been emotionally difficult for many. Political discourse, and in particular within the sphere of social media has been divisive, inflammatory and at times, even dangerous. It is my hope that as a state, we will continue to demand greater support and protections for one another from those forces which seek to divide and destroy our communities.

In stark contrast to our national politics, I found within the Vermont legislature, a family of individuals who care deeply about one another and look out for each other. Within our community, I continually am reminded of how many courageous, kind and giving individuals there are that have shown support for my work and my family. I am humbled and eternally grateful. This is the heart of our community and must be amplified no matter who holds this title.

During my time in the legislature, we have seen the passage of some of the most groundbreaking policies in support of our communities and state. These are some of the victories I am most proud of leading and advocating for:

· No cost contraceptive access for all Vermonters
· Prescription drug price transparency
· Increasing access to dental care through establishment of
· Universal primary care study
· Medicinal cannabis dispensary in Bennington
· Establishment of Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone and regional economic strategy
· Earned Sick Leave for workers
· Support of minimum wage increases
· Elimination of salary history requirements for job applications
· Removal of criminal history questions from employment applications
· Development of fair and impartial policing practices
· Leading the inquiry on PFOA detection in North Bennington and Bennington
· Support for establishment of gender neutral bathrooms
· Advocacy for basic accommodations for pregnant workers
· Creation of a multisector panel to address racial disparities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems
· Historic establishment of board and cabinet-level position to address systemic racism in state government
· Establishment of ethnic and social equity in schools bill
· Major support for Putnam Block development and state support
· Protecting funding for the Vermont Veteran’s Home
· Successful federal advocacy to establish Early Head Start childcare funding in support working families
· Leadership and passage on in the House on medical monitoring coverage for those affected by pollution, including PFOA
· Legalizing marijuana possession
· Bail, sentencing reform and expungement efforts
· Greater legal supports for victims of human trafficking in Vermont
· Standing side by side with you at protests, demonstrations and unity rallies locally and nationally on some of our most pressing issues to date

I will finish out my term and pass on the mantle at the end of this year. I will continue to serve as your representative, and am available to support the community in any way I can. Please know, this is not a “goodbye forever,” but a “see you soon.” There is so much more incredible work to be achieved locally, statewide and nationally and I look forward to working with you towards the continued strength of our state. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you! https://www.facebook.com/kiahmorrisvt/posts/1366897953441455

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced on Aug. 27. his office was investigating reports of threats against Morris.

[RandySF]

1. Did anyone come to her defense or urge her to reconsider?

[JHan]

4. Statements have been made by officials denouncing the racism..

But that's about it, as far as I know.

And what she's describing sounds so serious.

I'll be following the investigation closely.

[bettyellen]

5. I can think of someone who loves to reach out to those anxious types.

[WestIndianArchie]

2. Unfortunate...

I guess she just doesn't know we live in a "Post racial america"

[elleng]

3. trump is a wrecking ball.

[JHan]

6. Yep, One of the antagonists in all this is a Trump supporter

[sheshe2]

7. From the Vermont Digger

BENNINGTON — Rep. Kiah Morris, D-Bennington, who has been the target of online racial comments and threats to her safety, has withdrawn her candidacy for re-election just 10 days after winning the Democratic nomination for a third term.

During her four years in the Legislature, Morris has become one of the strongest voices for women and minorities in Vermont politics.

snip

“The last two years have been emotionally difficult for many. Political discourse, and in particular within the sphere of social media has been divisive, inflammatory and at times, even dangerous. It is my hope that as a state, we will continue to demand greater support and protections for one another from those forces which seek to divide and destroy our communities.”

More https://vtdigger.org/2018/08/24/kiah-morris-withdraws-candidacy-bennington-house-race/

This begs a question. Where is Leahy and Sanders? Why are they not speaking out about this?

[JHan]

8. Sanders made a statement on facebook yesterday:

"I was shocked and saddened to learn that Bennington Rep. Kiah Morris withdrew her candidacy for re-election after receiving racially charged threats. This is outrageous, not what Vermont is about, and must be thoroughly investigated. Kiah has been an excellent representative for the people of Bennington on so many issues, and has been a strong voice for equity and social justice in the Statehouse.

"In the state of Vermont, no elected official, candidate or person should be fearful of their safety because of the color of their skin or their point of view. This corrosion of political discourse is destructive to our democracy, and we cannot let it take hold."

Not seeing anything from Leahy yet.

What's shocking is this harassment can be traced back to last year and I'm reading that she was constantly threatened in person, not just online.. so much so a restraining order was involved. ( I'm trying to get more info but it's sketchy at best)

[sheshe2]

9. Good to know that Bernie spoke up and disappointed in Leahy.

What bothers me is this has been going on since 2016 and the first we are hearing about any support for her. A black woman in a very white state being harassed and her life threatened from many people from out of state. Trumps America.

Ain't it grand.

[JHan]

10. What I cannot reconcile is this..

Here is a black woman in a state with a lot of progressive activism, feeling pressured to pull out.

(It's a lesson that social justice is pretty damn important to progressive values if representation is affected like this)

Resistance to her is coming from Trumpers but surely she should feel she has a bedrock of support to help her push through. We'll see what the investigation concludes.

[bobbieinok]

11. Isn't there a black man running for office in NH who faced yrs of racist remarks in his state job?

[JHan]

16. Yes.....

I'm thinking ...Was it Kris Roberts? The name of the lawmaker escapes me right now.

[brer cat]

14. "This is...not what Vermont is about..."

"...and we cannot let it take hold." Yes, it is and yes, it has or we wouldn't be having this conversation. * Denial and tsk-tsking has never solved a damned thing any more than blaming Southerners for all racism makes it nonexistent north of the Mason-Dixon. Moving forward requires an honest conversation, an acceptance on the part of white people that we must do something, probably something that evolves only after painful introspection about the fact that awareness of racism alone isn't a solution. Trump has laid bare the racism, misogyny, and bigotry at the core of republicanism, but liberals and progressives are not immune.

Earlier this year, Rachel Talbot Ross, a black woman in the very white state of Maine, was running for reelection to the state House after serving for two years when she was challenged by a white male from her own party. A blogger I enjoy very much, blackgirlinmaine.com, wrote about this election, and asked the question we white people must all ask ourselves.

In this moment, many white people are waking up to the reality that racism never went anywhere and that it’s insidious and deeply entrenched into all of our systems. People feel bad and want to do something and yet the work that can truly move the needle seems to elude them. Understand this: Nothing will change until white people realize that the only way we solve our racism problem starts with them asking themselves “What am I willing to give up?” You cannot right the scales of injustice without taking something from one side and moving it to the other in order to get the scales to balance out. You simply cannot. And while it’s bad enough when no white people are willing to step aside for Black people, it is especially galling when they actively try to displace them or diminish them when there is no need to do so.

Change will also require more people of color in the rooms where decisions are made. That means both seats at the tables as well as ownership of some of those tables. Racism is about power and privilege and despite the surface shifts since the 1960s, the levers of power across the board are still operated primarily by white men. We need Black and brown people to operate far more of those levers than is the case right now if change is going to happen. We need white people to recognize that fact and to step back and step down more often to make that happen. It also means calling out other well-meaning (or not so well-meaning, too) white people when they make missteps that are harmful to Black folks and other people of color.

Rachel handily won her reelection, and as far as I know, was not subjected to harassment like Rep. Morris, but she was forced to work harder and longer to keep her seat. Harassment is not the only way to discourage and prevent the taking of power by minorities. We need to commit to giving it up, and transferring it over.


* This is not a Sanders bash; he just happened to be the one making the statement this time. Similar comments are made by many others after every "shocking" event of racial harassment.

[JHan]

15. Righteous post.++++++++++++++++++ And yeah..

"this is not who we are" is tiresome, but I know why politicians do it - they're trying to appeal to the better angels of our nature. It's a very conventional thing to say so expected.

It's also like the claims of "this is not who we are" after the GE when 62 million people voted for Trump.

[heaven05]

22. this nt

[heaven05]

21. this has been going on

for very long time and just now, prominent people are speaking up and the case is being investigated only after her fear has been revealed to the public???? Pretty obvious that someone was trying to avoid a black eye from a deserved hit.

But let's look at the demographics of the state and how fear of losing votes to a challenger in speaking up loudly and clearly against racism can colour one's remarks or rebukes of a racist situation such as this. 2 years and just now speaking up when I goddamn well know everyone knew this was going on. 2fucking years!!!!! Well what can be expected from such an area of northeastern paradise for a particular racial group? I lived in Boston for 5 years, went north a few times...this is a true reflection of Vermont, New Hampshire and especially Maine. They do not make a POC feel welcome, even when just visiting.

https://suburbanstats.org/population/how-many-people-live-in-vermont

[JustAnotherGen]

12. Thank you for bringing to our attention

First - the bigots are everywhere. It's not just a Southern thing.

Second - the bigots are emboldened.

Third - This is why identity politics must exist. She wasn't targeted because of her political affiliation or where she fell on its spectrum -

She is being targeted because of the color of her skin.

[JHan]

13. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[Eliot Rosewater]

18. Right, so anyone who EVER said ANYTHING remotely like identity politics are not important

needs to come out NOW and say they were WRONG

[heaven05]

20. this!!!!!

says it all

[heaven05]

19. I am glad

she put her family above any political aspirations. I had recently read about this

https://vtdigger.org/2018/08/24/kiah-morris-withdraws-candidacy-bennington-house-race/

The willful, destructive and racist ignorance that the current idiot-in-chief has ushered in is astounding and maddening. The threats had to have been pretty serious and I have NOT or seen or heard much from the Senator of that state in rebuking this sort of thing.

Speaks volumes about who, what, when, where, why. Vermont: https://suburbanstats.org/population/how-many-people-live-in-vermont