A committee in the Kansas House has dismissed a complaint against a Democratic lawmaker who made controversial comments earlier this year.
During a committee hearing in March, Rep. Valdenia Winn, of Kansas City, Kansas, said that “racist bigots” were supporting a bill to take away college tuition breaks for students who are in the country illegally.
During the Friday hearing, Republican Rep. Mark Kahrs moved to dismiss the complaint against Winn and the committee agreed unanimously.
“My view is we should support freedom of speech no matter how irresponsible, slanderous or hurtful that speech may be. That is what the people’s House is all about, freedom of speech,” says Kahrs.
Winn says her comments weren’t aimed at other lawmakers on the committee. She says she’ll keep speaking out against policies she opposes.
“I was taught by a strong family to stand up and fight if I see something, and you can’t be timid around here,” says Winn.
Kahrs suggested Winn should apologize for her comments. Winn says she doesn’t have anything to apologize for because she didn’t break any rules.
