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Ohio GOP Lawmaker Asks If 'The Colored Population' Get Virus More Because Of Poor Handwashing
Republican State Senator Steve Huffman of Tipp City, Ohio attracted the ire of his constituents after asking in a public hearing if "the colored population" contracts the virus behind the global pandemic at a higher rate because maybe they wash their hands less often.
The hearing to help determine whether racism is a public health crisis in Ohio, was held on Tuesday, June 9.
Huffman seized the opportunity to ask a question which many claim has multiple racist overtones.
WATCH: Here was the moment when Ohio Sen. Steve Huffman asked if the "colored population" has a higher rate of COVID-19 because they don't wash their hands as much. pic.twitter.com/o8AiMg1q30
— Tyler Buchanan (@Tylerjoelb) June 11, 2020
"Could it just be that African Americans—the colored population—do not wash their hands as well as other groups?"
"Or wear a mask? Or do not socially distance themselves?"
"Could that just be maybe the explanation of why there's a higher incidence?"
Today State Senator Steve Huffman asked a witness if Black communities are more vulnerable to COVID-19 because they don't take precautions to prevent it
This type of ignorance is exactly why we need to declare racism a public health crisis. pic.twitter.com/hPtD7eEsbr
— Plunderbund (@plunderbund) June 9, 2020
Democratic Representative Stephanie Howse, President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, noted that the term "colored" is regarded as offensive by almost everyone in 2020.
From the mouth of a legislator, who also is a full medical doctor....#RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis
The exchange with the legislator and Director Angela Dawson (Minority Health) happens at the 50 minute mark on The Ohio Channel.https://t.co/sOHqTVtU58 pic.twitter.com/F5IaQY9rV4
— Stephanie Howse (@stephaniehowse) June 11, 2020
The term is a holdover from the Jim Crow era when "colored" people were segregated in almost all aspects of their lives.
Businesses often had White entrances, waiting rooms, bathrooms and water fountains while others—often at the back or of lesser quality—were designated for "colored" people.
Rather than amplify this cruel racist trope --call Steve Huffman's office and leave a voice message. (614) 466-6247 -- Feel free to phone him. He needs to get out in front of this and apologize. This statement is inexcusable and cruelly ignorant.
— Jack Hutton (@jackhutton) June 10, 2020
Even more notably, Howse pointed out that the contents of Huffman's question reinforced the stereotype that "black people are dirty," which racists have used to justify their poor treatment for generations.
Government played a significant role in creating the system of racism we have, so it is vital for our government to play a significant role in undoing the generational destruction that has occurred to Black people.#RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis https://t.co/JfJwOhuW4l
— Stephanie Howse (@stephaniehowse) June 11, 2020
Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman (R) is an emergency room physician. He needs to be investigated to see if he let black people die because he's a racist.
— Indy Denver - WTF 2020 (@pennyindenver) June 11, 2020
The offensive, ignorant question is especially troubling coming from Huffman, an emergency room physician.
Howse commented:
"When we talk about the internalized racism that is deeply ingrained in our institutions and the obstacles Black Americans face in ever achieving meaningful change, this is exactly what we are talking about."
Sen. Steve Huffman is a DOCTOR, a State Senator and was overtly racist on the Senate floor yesterday.@ohiogop, your Senator showed us yesterday how prevalent racism is in the medical field.
This is shameful. #RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis https://t.co/L5yhe3P7hY
— Alaina Swope for State Rep (@Swope2020) June 11, 2020
The Resolution (SCR 14/HCR 31) takes a comprehensive approach to begin to dismantle racism in the legislature.
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled the Ohio General Assembly could outlaw the Fannie M Lewis Law. The solution - Get a new General Assembly and Supreme Court. #Vote2020 https://t.co/Ct1TipYcRu
— Stephanie Howse (@stephaniehowse) June 10, 2020
Nan Whaley, Mayor of Dayton, commented that Huffman's questions was "racist and unacceptable."
This is Dayton's state senator. This is racist and unacceptable. https://t.co/lKgzRvCQeS
— Nan Whaley (@nanwhaley) June 10, 2020
No racism here.
Just "colored population" not washing hands as well.
Nice work, Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman (R). Very subtle. https://t.co/m6N95vWdzH
— Grace Lidia Suárez (@gracels) June 11, 2020
Huffman later apologized for his question, saying:
"Regrettably, I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant."
"I was trying to focus on why COVID-19 affects people of color at a higher rate, since we really do not know all the reasons."
Seeing Steve Huffman getting dragged is so delicious rn
— Ian Ferguson (@FergDYT) June 11, 2020
During the hearing, the Senator had asked the question to Angela Dawson, director of the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.
She responded:
"That is not the opinion of leading medical experts in this country."
Some of Huffman's colleagues have come to his defense, saying his question was indeed offensive but came from a place of genuine ignorance.
Republican Chairman Matt Borges commented:
"Everyone can evaluate the situation for themselves, but knowing Senator Huffman, there is zero doubt in my mind that he made a mistake, and that his contrition and apology are genuine."
Sen. Steve Huffman asks about 'colored population' hand washing. If you want a different Ohio than this, meet me at the ballot box on November 3. VOTE! https://t.co/s0bNm9ryMP
— Rep. Tavia Galonski (@RepGalonski) June 10, 2020
Meanwhile, Howse pointed out that, while Huffman's question may have been ignorantly well-intentioned, it was also indicative of the systemic racism Black people face every day.
Howse said:
"The fact that a well-educated legislator—a Vice Chair of the Health Committee and a practicing medical doctor—would, in a public setting, nonchalantly use such antiquated terminology paired with a hurtful, racist stereotype all in one breath reflects how unconscious this problem of racism is for too many."
Racial bias is still alive an well, even among those with the best intentions.