As the nation looks toward California as an example of how, or
how not, to deal with race in public policy, a group of legislators
is criticizing one of the architects of the state’s racial
policy.
In a letter dated Jan. 23, 36 state legislators, all Democrats,
urged the University of California Board of Regents to condemn
remarks made by regent Ward Connerly, well known for his efforts to
prohibit affirmative action at the university and across the
state.
Last week, two legislators, who also signed the new message,
wrote a similar letter asking the regents to condemn a remark made
by Connerly on CNN last December in which he states that people can
believe in segregation without being racist.
The legislators also take offense to Connerly telling UC
students to “go to hell” after the UC Students
Association demanded an apology.
“Given the importance of Mr. Connerly’s position as
a regent, there is no room for such offensive behavior,” the
legislators stated in the letter.
Connerly could not be reached for comment Monday. Earlier he
said he will not apologize, and that while he believes segregation
enforced by law is immoral, those who self-separate do not
necessarily harbor racial hatred.
Last week Connerly said that as a private citizen he has every
right to voice controversial views in public.
“This is really an intrusion to free speech,” he
said.
Student regent Dexter Ligot-Gordon said Connerly cannot separate
his role as a regent from his public statements.
“(His statement) adds fuel to the flame of race politics
and the UC system,” he said.
Ligot-Gordon said it was understandable the legislators would
ask the regents to chastise Connerly since there are few channels
for the public to hold regents accountable for their actions.
“The board doesn’t have any policy for censure … I
think Ward has damage control to do,” he said.