Cliff Owen/AP Images
- Democrats called for Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam’s immediate resignation after the release of an old yearbook photo in which he appears in either blackface or a Ku Klux Klan costume.
- The photo spread across social media channels and prompted an apology from Northam.
- Despite his apology, Democrats, including candidates in the 2020 US presidential election, have called for his immediate ouster.
Democrats called for Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam’s immediate resignation after the release of an old yearbook photo in which he appears in either blackface or a Ku Klux Klan costume.
One of the pictures on an Eastern Virginia Medical School’s 1984 yearbook page included a man in blackface and a bow tie standing next to another person in a Ku Klux Klan-style robe and hood. The photo, first published by conservative blog Big League Politics, spread across social media channels and prompted an apology from Northam.
"I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now," Northam said in a written statement. "This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service."
"I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work."
But despite his apology, Democrats, including candidates in the 2020 US presidential election, have called for his immediate ouster:
Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro
AP Photo/Eric Gay
"It doesn’t matter if he is a Republican or a Democrat," former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro said on Twitter. "This behavior was racist and unconscionable. Governor Northam should resign."
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California suggested Northam ought to resign and seek redemption for the photo.
"No, you can’t wear a black face or a white hood and lead a state. Not now and not ever," Swalwell said on Twitter. "But we are merciful people. Governor Northam should step down, seek forgiveness, and through good deeds earn the respect of the African-American Community."
Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California
Scott Applewhite/AP
Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris, who previously described Northam as someone who "won’t stand for hatred and bigotry," agreed with her Democratic colleagues.
"Leaders are called to a higher standard, and the stain of racism should have no place in the halls of government," Harris tweeted. "The Governor of Virginia should step aside so the public can heal and move forward together."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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Source: Business Insider