John Wiley Price described as racist in redistricting trial alleging voter discrimination against
John Wiley Price described as racist in redistricting trial alleging voter discrimination against whites
{Dallas County Commissioner} John Wiley Price (D) is one of North Texas' most identifiable civil rights activists. During his years inside and outside government, he's boldly advocated for blacks getting a bigger share of jobs and contracts, even protesting in front of media companies in favor of more diversity.
During a federal trial this week involving allegations that the county discriminates against white voters, Price was described by a witness as a racist, using his 2011 "All of you are white. Go to hell" rant at a county commissioners court meeting as evidence.
It's part of a strategy by plaintiffs' lawyers to depict the county commissioners court, with Price the ringleader, as a body that seeks to erode the influence of white residents. If you follow the theory of the lawsuit, a racist environment led the commissioners court to push through a 2011 redistricting plan that they contend discriminates against white voters.
Is it a reach?
U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater will ultimately decide, but the potentially landmark case is rehashing some of the more bizarre moments in Dallas County government and turning it into extreme racial politics.
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https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2018/04/18/john-wiley-price-described-racist-redistricting-trial-alleging-white-voter-discrimination