Kentucky Democratic lawmakers encountered significant backlash during a recent meeting when they stated that “being white is bad” while advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools. Rep. Sarah Stoker (D-Kentucky) made several emotional remarks that quickly circulated on social media.
“Honestly, I don’t feel good being white every day for various reasons,” Stoker expressed at the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee. She went on to suggest that being white is a “privilege,” which allows her to navigate the world differently than many people she knows.
She further explained, “And I’m just a woman, just a woman, just a white woman. If I were a white man, my privilege would be even greater.” Stoker also mentioned that white children ought to “feel bad” simply for their skin color. Moreover, she claimed that removing DEI programs in schools would represent a “missed opportunity” to discuss white privilege with students.
“I think we’re missing an opportunity. When kids reflect on how their skin color impacts their experiences, we rush to shelter them from that reality. We shouldn’t shy away from these conversations,” she stated. Stoker emphasized the importance of including diverse histories and cultures in educational materials, arguing that failing to do so amounts to “whitewashing,” which she finds deeply concerning.
The response online was intense, with many accusing Stoker of attempting to instill guilt in white children about their lineage and encouraging a negative perception of their ancestry. Social media users had strong reactions, with comments ranging from criticism of Stoker as “everything that is wrong with Western society” to others expressing concern about the impact on young people.
Courage is a Habit, a nonprofit focused on providing parents with resources to shield their children from perceived indoctrination, described Stoker’s stance as reprehensible. They argued that many in the K-12 education system share her views, perpetuating a narrative that frames white individuals as inherently problematic while promoting alternative perspectives as positive.
Stoker’s video garnered millions of views and even drew attention from figures like Elon Musk, who called her an “evil woman.” Musk later tweeted against “white guilt,” which resonated widely, receiving extensive engagement online.
