A white Kansas
County Commissioner, Louis Klemp, used the term "master
race" while denying a proposal from a black city
planner.
At a meeting to discuss city
zoning policy, Commissioner Louis Klemp denied a
proposal from a black city planner, telling her "I don't
want you to think I'm picking on you, because, we're
part of the master race. You know, you have a gap in
your teeth, you're the masters, don't forget that." The
comment has sparked wide outrage and condemnation,
including calls from Kansas's Governor, city and county
officials, and civil rights organizations for Klemp to
step down from his position as a county commissioner.
Klemp's offensive comment was
not the first racially insensitive comment he has made
in an official capacity. Klemp's past comments
have included advocating for the public celebration of
Robert E. Lee, questioning why Martin Luther King Jr.
has a national holiday, and lamenting that his
great-grandfather would be criticized for owning a
slave. With this context, it is impossible to
assume his "master race" comment was innocuous.
Commissioner
Louis Klemp's words have upset, divided, and hurt his
community and cast doubt on his ability to be a neutral
public servant.
Add your
name to this petition demand Commissioner Louis
Klemp resign from his position
immediately.