Skip to main content
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING

Native Lawmaker’s Trailblazing Moment Spoiled by Wildly Offensive Comment

A representative asked Ponka-We Victors if she used a tomahawk instead of a gavel.

2022-01-12T000000Z_1469196850_RC2NXR9PLEWF_RTRMADP_3_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-USA-LIABILITY_twzy40

ANDREW KELLY

By Brooke Leigh Howard

Rep. Ponka-We Victors of Wichita, a Democrat, became the first Native American woman to serve as chair of the Kansas House of Representatives on Wednesday. But it wasn’t long before Rep. John Wheeler of Garden City spoiled the victorious moment when he told Victors he was checking to see if she used a tomahawk as a gavel. Other lawmakers who heard Wheeler either became really quiet or shared an awkward laugh. Apparently unaware of the insensitivity of his comment, Wheeler, a Republican, said, “I’m getting…that is apparently considered offensive. If it is, I certainly do apologize.”

Read it at The Kansas City Star

TRENDING NOW