Colorado Republican reprimanded for calling colleague ‘Buckwheat’ during legislative session
A Republican state legislator was reprimanded Thursday after he called a colleague “Buckwheat” during a session on Wednesday.
“I’m getting there. Don’t worry Buckwheat. I’m getting there,” Rep. Richard Holtorf said to someone else during a discussion about different military policies and practices.
“That’s an endearing term, by the way,” he quickly added.
“Buckwheat” is widely considered a racial slur and has been for decades. It refers to a stereotypical caricature.
It is not known who Holtorf was speaking to, but Rep. Leslie Herod, who is Black, later tweeted about the incident, saying ““This is what I have to deal with Every. Damn. Day. #onwepress.”
A few moments later, Holtorf returned to the lectern and offered something resembling an apology.
“I think we all need to consider what we do here and how we address and talk to each other. I think that we all have to do better. I will start with me. I think we have to respect each other… I apologize if I’ve offended anybody in any way. It is not my intent, ladies and gentlemen.”
However, after that, Holtorf appeared to walk by his apology.
“There is two sides to every story,” he told Fox 31.
Democratic House Speaker Alec Garnett said on Thursday he had spoken with Holtorf and with lawmakers who were offended by the remarks.
“Yesterday, the decorum of this institution was grossly breached,” Garnett said. “I’m sorry to say this is not the first time this session, but I’m speaking today to make sure it is the last.”
With News Wire Services
