Ohio Lawmaker Under Fire For 'Colored' Persons Comment

COLUMBUS, OH — During a committee meeting this week on an anti-racism resolution, Ohio Sen. Steve Huffman asked if "colored people" are more likely to get COVID-19 because they don't wash their hands enough. The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus has condemned the comments.

“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,” state Rep. Stephanie Howse said.

Huffman's comments came during a debate over whether to declare racism a public health crisis in Ohio. The Ohio House version of the resolution has yet to receive a hearing.

“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," Howse said.

Huffman has since apologized for his comments.

“Regrettably, I asked a question in an unintentionally awkward way that was perceived as hurtful and was exactly the opposite of what I meant,” Huffman later told the Columbus Dispatch. “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.”

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus has repeatedly lambasted state Republicans for what it says is a failure to take action on racial equity issues. House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes has been critical of Gov. Mike DeWine's Minority Health Strikeforce, which she feels has not addressed serious, systemic issues of inequality.