Kansas commissioner resigns after telling black presenter he is part of ‘the master race’
The commissioner is apologising for telling a black female consultant he is part of the 'master race'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A white member of the Leavenworth County Board of Commissioners in Kansas has resigned after telling a black consultant he was part of the “master race” during a public meeting.
Louis Klemp, 80, issued a public apology through a resignation letter read during a board meeting on Tuesday, writing “I regret my recent comment” and adding his intentions were “well-meaning”.
His controversial remarks arrived during a public meeting held earlier this month about a potential new development being built in the region, featuring Triveece Penelton, a black female consultant for VIREO Planning Associates in Kansas City.
According to a video of the meeting, Mr Klemp spoke directly to Ms Penelton and said: “I don’t want you to think I’m picking on you because we’re part of the master race. You know you got a gap in your teeth. You’re the masters. Don’t ever forget that.”
The comments brought a swift rebuke from the state’s governor, Jeff Coyler, who said in a statement: “Racial and discriminative language have no place in our society, and most especially when spoken by someone holding a public office.”
“The inappropriate remarks made by Leavenworth County Commissioner Louis Klemp are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of the county which he represents,“ he added.
A special meeting was then held by the Leavenworth City Commission last week, calling on Mr Klemp to resign.
On Tuesday, he obliged.
“My attempts at identifying a similarity, space between our teeth, with the presenter were well-meaning,” Mr Klemp wrote in his letter. He said the phrase was “definitely not racially motivated” while extending “my regret and support.”
The term “master race” was popularised by Adolf Hitler and Germany’s Nazi Party that rose to prominence in the 1920s, and has been used to describe the belief – which is wrong – that white people are superior to other ethnicities.
Mr Klemp’s fellow commissioners said he did “the right thing” in leaving the board.
“This is a good example that the choice of words does matter,” Commissioner Doug Smith said during the meeting. “I hope the young lady involved will accept our apology and will not hesitate to help Leavenworth County on future projects.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments