See below for video of an excellent speech delivered earlier today by Virginia State Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), with regard to the Youngkin administration’s new “Chief Diversity Officer” and newly renamed “Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion” (changed from “Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”).
As Sen. Locke pointed out, Virginia law defines this office as Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, yet Youngkin has now renamed AND expanded it to include all kinds of things, including to “expand entrepreneurship and economic opportunities,” to “promote free speech and civil discourse in civic life” and even to be an “ambassador for unborn children.” According to Sen. Locke:
“We are swapping equity for opportunity. Equity IS opportunity, making sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed, no matter who they are or where they come from…Including unborn children in the responsibilities of the office…actually removes opportunities for women and families…”
As for “Critical Race Theory,” Sen. Locke stressed that this isn’t even taught in Virginia schools, but that “teaching our children about the history of race helps us face and reckon with racism and prejudice and will create a more aware, emotionally intelligent and socially respectful next generation.” And, Sen. Locke concluded:
“If that is not what we want, then please tell me what is it that we want. Do we want to teach the truth about history in this Commonwealth? Obviously not, if we keep using Critical Race Theory as the red herring, which is probably what this office is now going to do, since it’s now *opportunity* as opposed to *equity*.”
Amen.
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