Vermont's Only Black Female Lawmaker Withdraws Re-Election Bid After Racist Attacks [View all]

[JHan]

The state of Vermont’s lone black female lawmaker, Rep. Ruqaiyah “Kiah” Morris (D-Bennington), announced that she will not be running for re-election this year, in part because of the overwhelming amount of racist threats she’s received.

Morris, who won the Democratic nomination earlier this month, shared her decision to withdraw her candidacy last Friday on Facebook. If elected, it would have been her third term as a representative for the state’s House.

“The last four years of service have been incredible; an enormous honor and significant responsibility,” Morris wrote. “The last two years have been emotionally difficult for many. Political discourse, and in particular within the sphere of social media has been divisive, inflammatory and at times, even dangerous.

“It is my hope that as a state, we will continue to demand greater support and protections for one another from those forces which seek to divide and destroy our communities,” she added, along with a list of her accomplishments working within the Vermont legislature.

https://www.theroot.com/vermonts-only-black-female-lawmaker-withdraws-re-electi-1828694474

On Facebook Kiah wrote:

Kiah Morris VT State Representative
24 August at 10:13 ·
Friends, Neighbors:

I send this statement to announce my withdrawal of candidacy for re-election as a state representative for Bennington District 2-2.

The last four years of service have been incredible; an enormous honor and significant responsibility. The last two years have been emotionally difficult for many. Political discourse, and in particular within the sphere of social media has been divisive, inflammatory and at times, even dangerous. It is my hope that as a state, we will continue to demand greater support and protections for one another from those forces which seek to divide and destroy our communities.

In stark contrast to our national politics, I found within the Vermont legislature, a family of individuals who care deeply about one another and look out for each other. Within our community, I continually am reminded of how many courageous, kind and giving individuals there are that have shown support for my work and my family. I am humbled and eternally grateful. This is the heart of our community and must be amplified no matter who holds this title.

During my time in the legislature, we have seen the passage of some of the most groundbreaking policies in support of our communities and state. These are some of the victories I am most proud of leading and advocating for:

· No cost contraceptive access for all Vermonters
· Prescription drug price transparency
· Increasing access to dental care through establishment of
· Universal primary care study
· Medicinal cannabis dispensary in Bennington
· Establishment of Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone and regional economic strategy
· Earned Sick Leave for workers
· Support of minimum wage increases
· Elimination of salary history requirements for job applications
· Removal of criminal history questions from employment applications
· Development of fair and impartial policing practices
· Leading the inquiry on PFOA detection in North Bennington and Bennington
· Support for establishment of gender neutral bathrooms
· Advocacy for basic accommodations for pregnant workers
· Creation of a multisector panel to address racial disparities in the criminal and juvenile justice systems
· Historic establishment of board and cabinet-level position to address systemic racism in state government
· Establishment of ethnic and social equity in schools bill
· Major support for Putnam Block development and state support
· Protecting funding for the Vermont Veteran’s Home
· Successful federal advocacy to establish Early Head Start childcare funding in support working families
· Leadership and passage on in the House on medical monitoring coverage for those affected by pollution, including PFOA
· Legalizing marijuana possession
· Bail, sentencing reform and expungement efforts
· Greater legal supports for victims of human trafficking in Vermont
· Standing side by side with you at protests, demonstrations and unity rallies locally and nationally on some of our most pressing issues to date

I will finish out my term and pass on the mantle at the end of this year. I will continue to serve as your representative, and am available to support the community in any way I can. Please know, this is not a “goodbye forever,” but a “see you soon.” There is so much more incredible work to be achieved locally, statewide and nationally and I look forward to working with you towards the continued strength of our state. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you! https://www.facebook.com/kiahmorrisvt/posts/1366897953441455

Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced on Aug. 27. his office was investigating reports of threats against Morris.