Rep. Ray Garofalo
Louisiana’s Legislative Black Caucus has asked for the removal of Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman over a comment he made about slavery. While discussing his bill to ban “divisive concepts” Garofalo said there were some good components of slavery.
“You can talk about everything dealing with slavery the good, the bad the ugly,” said Garofalo.
“There’s no good to slavery though,” said Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty.
A video of Garofalo making the comment has gone viral. Garofalo says the slavery comment was taken out of context and blames the media for inflammatory reporting.
“I would hope that you respect me enough to know that I did not say what they are accusing of me saying, and I want to let you know, I respect you guys very much and I would never do what I’m being accused of,” said Garofalo.
But Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Ted James calls Garofalo’s comments about slavery troubling and his comments on the House floor explaining the situation never resulted in an apology.
“His attempt at an apology was even worse than the comment that he made because it continues to show he doesn’t have remorse for the people who he upset with his initial comment,” said James.
House Speaker Clay Schexnayder told the Advocate he has not made a decision on whether Garofalo will be removed as House Education Chairman. The Speaker says he spoke with Garofalo and plans to meet with the Black Caucus. James says as a chairman of a committee, Garofalo, should be held to a higher standard.
“There’s an added responsibility and an added level of sensitivity that I think we have to possess when we take the role of chairman,” said James.
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