Lawmaker Expresses Guilt About Being White and Believes Children Should Feel the Same

Kentucky Lawmaker Discusses DEI Controversy

During a hearing on Tuesday, a Kentucky lawmaker stated that white individuals shouldn’t feel guilty about their skin color when conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) arise.

Republican Senator Lindsey Titchener from Smithfield introduced a bill aimed at banning DEI programs in the state’s public schools, as reported by the Paducah Sun. In contrast, Democratic state Representative Sarah Stoker from Louisville voiced her opposition, arguing that DEI initiatives encourage students to reflect on the “historic privilege” associated with being white.

In a video, Stoker expressed her feelings about being white, stating, “Honestly, I feel bad being white every day for a variety of reasons.” She explained that it’s a privilege she has, which isn’t shared by many in her community. “I’m just a woman, just a white woman,” she added.

Stoker continued, lamenting, “If I were a white man, I would have even more privileges.” She suggested that discussions about how skin color impacts life experiences should not be avoided, as it prevents young people from engaging in meaningful conversations. “We brush it off and say, ‘We don’t want to make you feel bad,’ but you’re missing out on a really good conversation,” she remarked.

Shortly after President Trump took office on January 20th, an executive order was issued to end the federal DEI program. Additionally, Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth announced that the Army would dismantle promotion quotas later that year.

A study found that results from McKinsey & Company supporting the idea that diversity enhances financial performance couldn’t be replicated, raising questions about the effectiveness of DEI programs.

Several major U.S. companies, including McDonald’s and Walmart, are moving away from DEI initiatives. In an April 2024 lawsuit, the Mountain States Legal Foundation claimed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rejected numerous applicants for training programs solely based on their race.

Furthermore, a complaint was filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine regarding an internship in July 2024 that was exclusively for black applicants.