State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, said he’s concerned about ongoing perceptions of police and court intolerances. He also said that areas of the state with larger concentrations of minorities have less access to COVID-19 testing, vaccines and college-level high school courses.
Young said Senate Bill 1204 would create a Commission on Race and Equality to advise state leaders on issues related to racial discrimination and bias. The commission would monitor legislation to determine whether it is discriminatory toward a race or ethnicity, serve as a clearinghouse for research on issues related to discrimination or bias, and act as a resource for those making state appointments.
The board will ultimately report back to the governor, Senate president and House speaker and recommend needed legislation or regulatory changes. Those three leaders would appoint the bulk of the membership, but the Legislative Black Caucus would also have appointing power.
The commission must be broadly representative of the geographic areas of the state and include representatives of several racial and ethic groups.
Commissioners would not be paid, but would be entitled to travel reimbursement. The commission must meet at least once every three months.
Young, who is Black, said he’s proposed similar measures in the past, but they’ve not received a committee hearing. He said he wants the committee to serve as a receptacle for ideas, thoughts, complaints and recommendations.
“There is nobody that’s focusing or concentrating on racial disparities, racial insensitivity or racial concern,” he said, adding that it would also encompass Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native Americans.
This is, of course, a very stupid idea. Giving a state-sanctioned forum to racists, for the sole purpose of dividing Oklahoma society, is not in the interest of a single Oklahoman.