CONCORD, NH – Medical professionals, business leaders, faith communities, professors, state and local officials, and racial justice leaders are opposed to the inclusion of the White Supremacy Protection Act (also known as HB 544) in the state budget. This bill language would prevent New Hampshire from acknowledging and addressing systemic racism and sexism, creating more barriers to a healthy, safe, and equitable New Hampshire.
NH Business Review – BIA Announces Opposition to ‘Divisive Concepts’ Bill: “We cannot support language where the state is in a position to dictate to private enterprises what they can and cannot discuss with their employees,” Roche said. “Putting this language into statute would be a black eye for New Hampshire,” he added. “It would put the national spotlight on the Granite State, and not in a good way. The issues of gender and race are important to most employers around the state, and many of our members have already implemented diversity training that reflects their corporate culture,” said BIA President Jim Roche. “This controversial language sends the wrong message to employers who recognize the importance of open, honest and yes, sometimes difficult and uncomfortable conversations with their employees about the issue of race and gender discrimination. To prohibit some employers from engaging in these discussions, as the language from HB 544 does, will leave them vulnerable to race and/or gender discrimination litigation,” Roche added.
Valley News – New Hampshire Bill HB 544 is a Dangerous and Slippery Slope: “I’ve taught sociology at public and private universities for more than 40 years. Much of that teaching has involved presenting students with data on inequality in the United States, often from U.S. government sources, showing, for example, that on average African Americans have lower incomes and get less formal education, suffer higher rates of unemployment and incarceration, and receive worse health care than white Americans. Students often ask the obvious question, “What accounts for these racial disparities?” The answer is complicated and involves a discussion of time-worn debates about racial inequality that span the ideological spectrum, from claims about white supremacy, impoverished Black culture, the historical legacy of slavery, institutional racism, implicit bias, white privilege and more … Introducing, discussing and debating these concepts of racism inevitably “propagates” them — it introduces them to those unfamiliar with them. In short, HB 544 comes perilously close to violating the principles of academic freedom, free speech and reasoned discussion of some of the most difficult yet important subjects of our time. I wonder whether the bill, if passed, would prevent discussing the issues surrounding the George Floyd murder case in my classes. HB 544 is a dangerous and very slippery slope.” — John Campbell, Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College
Concord Monitor – Our Turn: HB 544 Codifies Culture of Oppression: “Unfortunately, HB 544 and the advocacy around the bill, are a direct result of what is happening in our country — a reactive, dangerous, and fragile backlash to preserve “a traditional way of life” from those who have historically benefited from inequity and systemic racism. This bill has no place in New Hampshire, where we have always prided ourselves in not allowing divisive national discourse to take hold…. Frankly, HB 544 is also unconstitutional and fiscally irresponsible. This legislation is the close model of an executive order from former President Donald Trump that was struck down in federal court for constitutional violations. There is no question that if this bill becomes law, it will be subject to court challenges, resulting in costly litigation and legal fees on the taxpayer’s dime.” — Senators Sue Prentiss (D-Lebanon), Becky Whitley (D-Hopkinton), and Rebecca Perkins-Kwoka (D-Portsmouth)
Seacoast Online – What Frightens Me Most About HB 544: “Racism is an everyday experience for most people of color. It’s not simply a matter of prejudice but a matter of structured disadvantages that reach across America – across our neighborhoods – from dealing with the police, to being food-insecure, to being disproportionately affected by COVID-19…. To confront such inequities we not only need a revolution in our priorities and a re-evaluation of our values; we need to mobilize ourselves to understand that what’s in the past is in the present, that justice is not color-blind, that being created equal does not mean equal opportunity – that to realize all that takes work, humility, and an open mind.” — Robert Azzi, photographer and writer, Exeter
NHPR – Bill Aims To Ban Teaching About Systemic Racism; Doctor Calls It ‘Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing’: “The CDC just in the last week came out and said racism is a public health threat and this idea is not new. And structural racism and implicit bias, which HB 544 tries to comment on really are two sides of the same coin. And they are a stain of our country’s slaveholding past that have perpetuated the modern day. And I felt that this bill, if adopted, really would set our state back quite a bit. And as the business community has said, it would cast a national spotlight on our state, not in a good way, and it would be a black eye for New Hampshire.” — Dr. Nirav Kapadia, radiation oncologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Public News Network – Groups Oppose Ban in Teaching Nation’s History of Systemic Racism: “The way the language is written, the powers that be in the Legislature who are in control get to decide what is deemed divisive,” James McKim [President of the Manchester NAACP] pointed out. “So it’s broader than race, it’s broader than gender, it’s about principle and about our democracy…. From the law-enforcement perspective, from a health-care perspective, from a housing perspective, there are bills that are in the Legislature right now that would make significant progress in healing our divisions.”
Statement from Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director, Granite State Progress:
“Those pushing this bill language are seeking to block anti-racism work and other efforts to build a safe, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. Particularly now, after a year of reckoning and sustained mobilization around racial injustice, and as the COVID-19 public health pandemic lays bare the disproportionate health and economic impacts on people of color and women, this bill creates more barriers to adequately responding. The passage of this language is a direct result of the failure of Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the State House to hold members accountable for spouting racist, antisemitic, and violent messages. It’s a damning indictment of the necessity of anti-racism education that State Representatives currently in office have posted racist, anti-Semitic material and used ignorance as a self-defense. We must have honest conversations about our history and the ongoing impact of systemic racism and sexism on our society and institutions if we ever want to move forward to build a functioning multiracial democracy.”
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Statement on Passage of SB 154, Blocking Federal Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence
Last Updated: April 29, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Biden-Harris Administration works to save lives while Gov. Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities continue to stand in the way
CONCORD, NH – Today the NH House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee passed SB 154, amended, on party lines. The bill prevents the State of New Hampshire, a political division of the state or any person acting under the color of state, county, or municipal law from “using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with any law, act, rule, order, or regulation of the United States Government or Executive Order of the President of the United States that is inconsistent with any law of this state regarding the regulation of firearms, ammunition, magazines or the ammunition feeding devices, firearm components, firearms supplies, or knives. Silence in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated pertaining to a matter regulated by federal law shall be construed as an inconsistency for the purposes of this chapter.”
Statement from Zandra Rice Hawkins, director of GunSense NH, a project of Granite State Progress: “Even when they don’t make the headlines, senseless gun tragedies take lives every day and leave lasting trauma in communities, especially communities of color. We all have the right to be safe in our homes, schools, and communities. The Biden Administration and leaders in Congress are working urgently to save lives, and it is frustrating that Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the State House continue to hold New Hampshire back. SB 154 is unconstitutional, could cause New Hampshire to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal grants and aid, and is designed to block, stop, or delay common sense gun violence prevention efforts. We need to close background check loopholes, stop the proliferation of ghost guns, reign in firearms and accessories that contribute to the death toll in mass shootings, and develop a real plan to address the public health pandemic that is gun violence. SB 154 would be worse than the status quo, blocking any and all efforts led at the national level. It could also prevent New Hampshire from working with the DOJ, FBI, or AFT on major issues like the violent insurrection at the capitol or the growing armed militia and white supremacist activity in the Granite State.”
Statement from Tracy Hahn-Burkett, convener of the Gun Violence Prevention Working Group for the Kent Street Coalition: “SB 154 seeks to put gun rights above everything else in the state—including the people’s safety and their right to survive until the end of the day. At a time when shootings come to us on the news almost with the regularity with sports and weather reports, it would remove the people of New Hampshire from any and all protection offered to us by our own federal government. There would be no federal assistance for gun-related crimes; no federal help for investigations into white supremacist groups. This bill goes far beyond allowing law-abiding gun owners to own a firearm, rather it lifts worship of the gun above everything and everyone else in New Hampshire and it should never be allowed to become law.”
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GunSense NH, a project of Granite State Progress, works to protect and advance common sense public safety laws. GunSense NH convenes the NH Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, members include survivors, gun violence prevention advocates, moms, medical professionals, gun owners, veterans, law enforcement, elected officials, school administrators, educators, students, faith leaders, and more.
Last Updated: April 29, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
ROUNDUP: Doctors, Business Industry, Faith Leaders, Professors, Elected Officials, Racial Justice Advocates Oppose HB 544 Language
CONCORD, NH – Medical professionals, business leaders, faith communities, professors, state and local officials, and racial justice leaders are opposed to the inclusion of the White Supremacy Protection Act (also known as HB 544) in the state budget. This bill language would prevent New Hampshire from acknowledging and addressing systemic racism and sexism, creating more barriers to a healthy, safe, and equitable New Hampshire.
NH Business Review – BIA Announces Opposition to ‘Divisive Concepts’ Bill: “We cannot support language where the state is in a position to dictate to private enterprises what they can and cannot discuss with their employees,” Roche said. “Putting this language into statute would be a black eye for New Hampshire,” he added. “It would put the national spotlight on the Granite State, and not in a good way. The issues of gender and race are important to most employers around the state, and many of our members have already implemented diversity training that reflects their corporate culture,” said BIA President Jim Roche. “This controversial language sends the wrong message to employers who recognize the importance of open, honest and yes, sometimes difficult and uncomfortable conversations with their employees about the issue of race and gender discrimination. To prohibit some employers from engaging in these discussions, as the language from HB 544 does, will leave them vulnerable to race and/or gender discrimination litigation,” Roche added.
Valley News – New Hampshire Bill HB 544 is a Dangerous and Slippery Slope: “I’ve taught sociology at public and private universities for more than 40 years. Much of that teaching has involved presenting students with data on inequality in the United States, often from U.S. government sources, showing, for example, that on average African Americans have lower incomes and get less formal education, suffer higher rates of unemployment and incarceration, and receive worse health care than white Americans. Students often ask the obvious question, “What accounts for these racial disparities?” The answer is complicated and involves a discussion of time-worn debates about racial inequality that span the ideological spectrum, from claims about white supremacy, impoverished Black culture, the historical legacy of slavery, institutional racism, implicit bias, white privilege and more … Introducing, discussing and debating these concepts of racism inevitably “propagates” them — it introduces them to those unfamiliar with them. In short, HB 544 comes perilously close to violating the principles of academic freedom, free speech and reasoned discussion of some of the most difficult yet important subjects of our time. I wonder whether the bill, if passed, would prevent discussing the issues surrounding the George Floyd murder case in my classes. HB 544 is a dangerous and very slippery slope.” — John Campbell, Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College
Concord Monitor – Our Turn: HB 544 Codifies Culture of Oppression: “Unfortunately, HB 544 and the advocacy around the bill, are a direct result of what is happening in our country — a reactive, dangerous, and fragile backlash to preserve “a traditional way of life” from those who have historically benefited from inequity and systemic racism. This bill has no place in New Hampshire, where we have always prided ourselves in not allowing divisive national discourse to take hold…. Frankly, HB 544 is also unconstitutional and fiscally irresponsible. This legislation is the close model of an executive order from former President Donald Trump that was struck down in federal court for constitutional violations. There is no question that if this bill becomes law, it will be subject to court challenges, resulting in costly litigation and legal fees on the taxpayer’s dime.” — Senators Sue Prentiss (D-Lebanon), Becky Whitley (D-Hopkinton), and Rebecca Perkins-Kwoka (D-Portsmouth)
Seacoast Online – What Frightens Me Most About HB 544: “Racism is an everyday experience for most people of color. It’s not simply a matter of prejudice but a matter of structured disadvantages that reach across America – across our neighborhoods – from dealing with the police, to being food-insecure, to being disproportionately affected by COVID-19…. To confront such inequities we not only need a revolution in our priorities and a re-evaluation of our values; we need to mobilize ourselves to understand that what’s in the past is in the present, that justice is not color-blind, that being created equal does not mean equal opportunity – that to realize all that takes work, humility, and an open mind.” — Robert Azzi, photographer and writer, Exeter
NHPR – Bill Aims To Ban Teaching About Systemic Racism; Doctor Calls It ‘Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing’: “The CDC just in the last week came out and said racism is a public health threat and this idea is not new. And structural racism and implicit bias, which HB 544 tries to comment on really are two sides of the same coin. And they are a stain of our country’s slaveholding past that have perpetuated the modern day. And I felt that this bill, if adopted, really would set our state back quite a bit. And as the business community has said, it would cast a national spotlight on our state, not in a good way, and it would be a black eye for New Hampshire.” — Dr. Nirav Kapadia, radiation oncologist at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Public News Network – Groups Oppose Ban in Teaching Nation’s History of Systemic Racism: “The way the language is written, the powers that be in the Legislature who are in control get to decide what is deemed divisive,” James McKim [President of the Manchester NAACP] pointed out. “So it’s broader than race, it’s broader than gender, it’s about principle and about our democracy…. From the law-enforcement perspective, from a health-care perspective, from a housing perspective, there are bills that are in the Legislature right now that would make significant progress in healing our divisions.”
Statement from Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director, Granite State Progress:
“Those pushing this bill language are seeking to block anti-racism work and other efforts to build a safe, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. Particularly now, after a year of reckoning and sustained mobilization around racial injustice, and as the COVID-19 public health pandemic lays bare the disproportionate health and economic impacts on people of color and women, this bill creates more barriers to adequately responding. The passage of this language is a direct result of the failure of Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the State House to hold members accountable for spouting racist, antisemitic, and violent messages. It’s a damning indictment of the necessity of anti-racism education that State Representatives currently in office have posted racist, anti-Semitic material and used ignorance as a self-defense. We must have honest conversations about our history and the ongoing impact of systemic racism and sexism on our society and institutions if we ever want to move forward to build a functioning multiracial democracy.”
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Last Updated: April 29, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Racial Justice Supporters Condemn White Supremacy Protection Act Hate Rally in Concord (HB 544 & State Budget)
CONCORD, NH – Today Rep. Keith Ammon (R-Free State) and Rep. Daryl Abbas (R-Salem) gathered with hate activists for a so-called Rally Against Anti-Racism at the State House in support of the White Supremacy Protection Act (also known as HB 544) in the state’s budget. Statements from members of the coalition in opposition to the bill language below.
Grace Kindeke, Program Coordinator, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC):
“It is an embarrassing waste of time and taxpayer resources that our lawmakers continue their attempts to censor the mere mention of systemic racism and sexism when we are confronted daily with the extrajudicial murders of Black and Brown people and the devastating effects of the COVID pandemic on Black and Brown communities. While many New Hampshire communities get on with the business of working to end the systemic subordination of our communities and build a more inclusive Granite State, lawmakers continue their campaign to censor and obfuscate these truths. Public discourse and decision making is strengthened by critical analysis that challenges us to recognize and repair the barriers embedded in the policies and practices of the institutions that impact our communities. To reduce systemic racism and systemic sexism solely to the individual and interpersonal is a tactic meant to distort and deny the very real disparities experienced by people of color, disabled people, women and gender non-conforming folks. Systemic racism and sexism are divisive because of the harm they cause, not because they are uncomfortable to talk about. Our willingness to examine and discuss our history and institutional responsibilities enables us to fully realize the promises of a true multicultural and multiracial democracy. We are a state willing to have the hard conversations in order to ensure that every person regardless of race or gender has the resources they need to flourish and thrive.”
Cora Quisumbing-King and Sumathi Madhure, Co-Chairs of the NH AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Democrats:
“The NH AAPI Democrats strongly oppose the language contained in HB 544 and the state budget, which would restrict education on measures to end racism and sexism endured by Granite Staters. The history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been largely untaught in school classrooms. This lack of education has created systemic barriers to the cultural acceptance of our communities. Our communities will undoubtedly be harmed by this dangerous and unpopular language.”
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Executive Director, Granite State Progress:
“Those pushing this bill language are seeking to block anti-racism work and other efforts to build a safe, healthy, and equitable New Hampshire. Particularly now, after a year of reckoning and sustained mobilization around racial injustice, and as the COVID-19 public health pandemic lays bare the disproportionate health and economic impacts on people of color and women, this bill creates more hurdles to adequately responding. The passage of this language is a direct result of the failure of Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the State House to hold members accountable for spouting racist, antisemitic, and violent messages. It’s a damning indictment of the necessity of anti-racism education that State Representatives currently in office have posted racist, anti-Semitic material and used ignorance as a self-defense. We must proactively educate people about harmful stereotypes, the history of racism and sexism, and its continued persistence in today’s society and institutions if we want to build a functioning multiracial democracy.”
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Last Updated: April 29, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Sununu’s Nominee for Superior Court Judge Withdraws Nomination After Strong Vetting by Councilor Warmington
Sununu’s Nominee for Superior Court Judge Admits to Voter Fraud; Previously Under Fire Around Actions Related to Husband’s Police File
CONCORD, NH — Today Governor Chris Sununu announced that Patricia Conway of Salem had withdrawn her nomination to the Superior Court of New Hampshire following scrutiny led by Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington (D-Concord). Councilor Warmington, doing her due diligence, called for Attorney General John Formella to look into Ms. Conway’s voting record after reports of unusual activity.
Statement from Granite State Progress Executive Director Zandra Rice Hawkins:
“Councilor Warmington has consistently and diligently pressed all nominees before the Executive Council on their record and qualifications. Her careful scrutiny and keen eye have made her an instrumental voice on the Executive Council and a champion for her constituents. Discrepancies in Patricia Conway’s voting record are a cause for concern – we need to be sure that the people who uphold the law in court also hold themselves to the same standards the court enforces. We are deeply appreciative of Councilor Warmington, who sets the example every day for the important role the Executive Council plays in vetting and confirming nominees. We encourage Governor Sununu to pay more attention to the experience and credibility of nominees he puts forward.”
After Councilor Warmington submitted her letter to the Attorney General, Councilor David Wheeler joined her in opposing Patricia Conway’s nomination. During the confirmation process, the NH Bar Association also issued a letter raising concerns about Conway’s impartiality and fairness. Conway was involved in a wrongful termination suit after firing the prosecutor who reported that “Conway’s husband, former Salem Police Sgt. Eric Lamb, had been removed from the state’s list of law enforcement officers with credibility concerns, the so-called Laurie List.” Lamb’s name was later returned to the list.
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Granite State Progress is a progressive advocacy organization that addresses issues of immediate state and local concern. Granite State Progress works as a communications hub for the progressive community to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. Visit https://granitestateprogress.org/ to learn more.
Last Updated: April 9, 2021 by Granite State Progress Leave a Comment
Statement on Presidential Executive Orders to Reduce Gun Violence
Biden-Harris Administration works to save lives while Gov. Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities continue to stand in the way
CONCORD, NH – President Joe Biden announced several executive orders this week aimed at reducing gun violence in America. At the same time, Gov. Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the New Hampshire legislature are standing in the way of common sense public safety laws.
Statement from Zandra Rice Hawkins, director of GunSense NH, a project of Granite State Progress: “Gun violence is a public health pandemic. Even when they don’t make the headlines, senseless gun tragedies take lives every day and leave lasting trauma in communities, especially communities of color. We all have the right to be safe in our homes, schools, and communities. Granite Staters agree that we need to take action to reduce gun violence, make our communities safer, and save lives. We applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for taking swift action to make our communities safer. It is frustrating that Chris Sununu and his Republican majorities in the state legislature continue to hold New Hampshire back on common sense gun safety. Right now our state is on track to allow loaded weapons on snowmobiles, target practice in town cemeteries, guns and knives in the hallways of our schools, and the expansion of deadly, racist Stand Your Ground laws that allow people to shoot first, ask questions later and avoid culpability for murder. We need a shared commitment to taking action to reduce all forms of gun violence – community violence, mass shootings, domestic violence, and suicide by firearm.”
Statement from Tracy Hahn-Burkett, convener of the Gun Violence Prevention Working Group for the Kent Street Coalition: “Last session Governor Sununu vetoed closing background check loopholes, creating a waiting period between the purchase and delivery of firearms, ensuring gun free schools, and passing an extreme risk protection order law. Governor Sununu continues to side with the corporate gun lobby instead of with the majority of Granite Staters who support common sense gun violence prevention efforts. We call on the Governor to speak up immediately and let the public know where he stands on federal and state efforts, especially as SB 154 seeks to prohibit the state from enforcing any Presidential Executive Order related to firearms, ammunition, and knives.”
The Biden-Harris Administration announced the following six initial actions:
President Biden also reiterated his calls for Congress to swiftly pass commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence supported by an overwhelming majority of the American people, including by closing loopholes in the background check system, banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines, repealing gun manufacturers’ immunity from liability, and more.
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GunSense NH, a project of Granite State Progress, works to protect and advance common sense public safety laws. GunSense NH convenes the NH Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, members include survivors, gun violence prevention advocates, moms, medical professionals, gun owners, veterans, law enforcement, elected officials, school administrators, educators, students, faith leaders, and more.
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