US EditionIdaho Lawmakers Face Backlash Following "Brownface" Display at Idaho House Committee Hearing
David Pettinger testified in brownface during an Idaho immigration bill hearing, drawing criticism from civil rights groups who say it reinforced harmful stereotypes.
- On Monday, David Pettinger testified in brownface and stereotypical Mexican attire during a House Business Committee hearing on SB-1247, and the committee paused before allowing him to finish the final minute.
- The hearing centered on HB 704, an E-Verify measure requiring private and public employers to use federal employment verification, and Pettinger began his testimony portraying an undocumented immigrant in broken Spanish.
- As Pettinger began speaking, Rep. Steve Berch interrupted, saying `Mr. Chairman, point of order...`, and lawmakers then paused to discuss options, with Crane speaking privately for roughly four minutes.
- The ACLU of Idaho and allied groups condemned the testimony as `a clear, obscene mockery of Latinos in Idaho` and urged leaders to enforce standards and accountability.
- Advocates say the episode risks conflating citizens with undocumented immigrants, noting over 80% of Idaho Latinos are U.S. citizens, and Idaho News 6 seeks clarity on witness conduct rules.
11 Articles
11 Articles
East Idaho News
How Idaho legislators responded when a man testified in brownface, costume
BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — What should the Idaho Legislature do when someone’s testimony is offensive? That’s what lawmakers grappled with Monday when a local conservative provocateur came to testify on an immigration bill wearing brownface and a sombrero and speaking Spanish. As David Pettinger began speaking, Rep. Steve Berch, D-Boise, cut him off. He signaled […]
Idaho House committee under fire after man delivers racist testimony in brownface
Members of the House Business Committee are receiving criticism for allowing David Pettinger, who has a history of costumed appearances at the statehouse, to deliver testimony with his face painted brown while wearing stereotypical Mexican attire.
Red state Republicans allow 'brownface' hearing testimony to continue
The Idaho Press reports a Republican-dominated legislative committee allowed a white man wearing brownface to testify on a bill pertaining to the employment of immigrants lacking permanent legal status.“David Pettinger, a known local far-right activist, has sparked outcry after his appearance Monday at a hearing for House Bill 704, a new bill requiring all private and public employers to use E-Verify to determine whether an individual has been a…
Idaho House committee draws scrutiny for allowing testifier in brownface to continue 'openly racist display'
BOISE — What was scheduled to be a routine meeting for the House Business Committee ended up bringing condemnation from civil rights groups after a man wearing brownface was allowed
Idaho lawmakers face backlash following "brownface" display at Idaho House Committee hearing
The following article contains descriptions of an incident involving “brownface” and the use of racial stereotypes during a public legislative hearing. Reader Discretion Advised: Idaho lawmakers are facing criticism after allowing a man to testify before the House Business Committee while appearing in what critics described as “brownface.” Eagle resident David Pettinger addressed lawmakers regarding a bill that would implement the federal E-Veri…
Advocacy groups condemn lawmakers for allowing racist testimony from man in brownface
David Pettinger, a far right agitator, testified in front of the Idaho House Business Committee wearing brownface. (IDTV Archives / Screenshot )Advocacy groups are criticizing some lawmakers on the House Business Committee for letting a man dressed in brownface testify at the legislature on Monday.During public comments for a bill mandating employers verify the immigration status of their employees, far right agitator David Pettinger approached …
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