Maryland Politics: Duncan Stands Up to Ehrlich's Climate of Racial Hatred

Maryland Politics: Duncan Stands Up to Ehrlich's Climate of Racial Hatred: "Duncan Stands Up to Ehrlich's Climate of Racial Hatred
May 19, 2005

The Honorable Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor
State of Maryland
State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Governor Ehrlich:
I am writing to urge that you take immediate action to remove William G. Duvall, Jr., as chairman of the 13-member panel that nominates trial judges in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Your appointee displayed an inexcusable lapse in sensitivity when he used a racial slur directed at our Hispanic population on his Web blog.

I am extremely concerned � as all of our residents should be � that there appears to be a pattern of hostility and insensitivity on the part of your administration toward ethnic minorities. The degrading term used by Mr. Duvall comes on the heels of remarks made by you during a radio interview last year when you referred to multiculturalism as nothing more than �crap� or �bunk.�

Montgomery County is home to nearly half of all the foreign-born residents of the State of Maryland. We embrace and celebrate this diversity. It is our multiculturalism that makes us a stronger, more vibrant community. People from different backgrounds, different religions, and different parts of the world in pursuit of the American Dream are what make our State strong. That�s why it is especially troubling to hear anyone degrade our diversity and multiculturalism.

Again, I urge you to remove Mr. Duvall from his appointed position. Not to do so sends a clear message that your administration condones and tolerates his comments.

Sincerely,

Douglas M. Duncan
County Executive"