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BATON ROUGE A distinct racial tension is threading through many Louisiana House debates this legislative session, becoming a more prominent undercurrent in the chamber on issues ranging from education and voting to crime and policing.
Emotional, angry and awkward debates between Black lawmakers and conservative white lawmakers in the House have emerged repeatedly, seeming only to intensify as the nine-week session continues.
Race isn t always openly discussed, but is clearly the point of divide in several disputes.
“I feel like this is a special session on race relations,” said Houma Rep. Tanner Magee, the House s second-ranking Republican.
Baton Rouge Rep. Ted James, the Democrat who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus, said of the strains in the chamber: “I don t know where it’s coming from, but it’s obviously an undercurrent.”
Analysis: Racial tensions simmer in Louisiana House debates
MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press
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1of5Ted James, D-Baton Rouge, second right, charmain of the Legislative Black Caucus in Baton Rouge, talks with fellow caucus members during opening day of the Louisiana legislative session in Baton Rouge, La., Monday, April 12, 2021.Gerald Herbert/APShow MoreShow Less
2of5House Speaker Clay Schexnayder presides over opening day of the Louisiana legislative session in Baton Rouge, La., Monday, April 12, 2021.Gerald Herbert/APShow MoreShow Less
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4of5Ted James, D-Baton Rouge, charmain of the Legislative Black Caucus in Baton Rouge, talks with fellow lawmakers during opening day of the Louisiana legislative session in Baton Rouge, La., Monday, April 12, 2021.Gerald Herbert/APShow MoreShow Less
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Gov. John Bel Edwards said he supports Black lawmakers' push to oust House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, who referenced the “good” parts of slavery in debate over his bill to prohibit teaching of “divisive concepts” about racism and sexism.
Rep. Ray Garofalo, R-Chalmette
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) â Gov. John Bel Edwards said he supports Black lawmakers push to oust House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo, who referenced the âgoodâ parts of slavery in debate over his bill to prohibit teaching of âdivisive conceptsâ about racism and sexism.
âI believe that the incident is egregious enough to warrant his removal, but Iâm also the first to tell you Iâm not the one who makes that decision,â the Democratic governor said.
Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder said he hadn t determined whether to keep or remove Garofalo, a St. Bernard Parish Republican, from the chairmanship in a controversy that has consumed the House for days.