Nebraska Legislature won't apologize for slavery

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10305846

Published Wednesday | April 9, 2008
Nebraska Legislature won't apologize for slavery
BY MARTHA STODDARD
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU


LINCOLN — The Legislature would express "profound regret" for Nebraska's role in slavery but would not apologize under a resolution advanced Wednesday by the Judiciary Committee.

After a long and sometimes heated debate, the committee amended the resolution to substitute condemnation of racial discrimination for an apology for the wrongs inflicted by slavery and its aftereffects.

The amended resolution no longer expresses the Legislature's "deepest sympathies and solemn regrets" to those who were enslaved and their descendants. But it encourages Nebraskans to teach their children about the history of slavery and its consequences.

The amended measure advanced on a vote of 6-0, with State Sens. Pete Pirsch of Omaha abstaining and Ernie Chambers of Omaha absent.

Sen. Dwite Pedersen of Omaha, who introduced Legislative Resolution 284, said the apology would have been stronger and was his preference.

But he said the resolution still is valuable because it raises awareness about slavery in Nebraska and expresses regret.

FULL story at link.