Missouri lawmaker hit for 'white privilege' remarks on social media

close

Video

Missouri state senator tweets about 'white privilege'

Is Maria Chappelle-Nadal's rhetoric fanning the flames?

A Missouri state senator who has made controversial comments on social media following the shooting death in Ferguson of Michael Brown, an unarmed black man who was killed by a white police officer, is facing renewed criticism over her recent remark apparently about “white privilege.”

State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal apparently said on Twitter: "LET ME BE CLEAR. When you exercise your #WhitePrivilege, don't think I'm not going to remember. I will use it for the future. Uncomfortable?"

(www.senate.mo.gov)

The tweet by Chappelle-Nadal, a Democrat, drew sharp responses on Twitter, including suggestions that she was making racist comments that could hurt her political career.

“THE VOTERS 'WE THE PEOPLE' will remember you when it comes to voting for you. You just burnt your future," one person tweeted in response.

Chappelle-Nadal did not respond Sunday to requests for comment.

She has made other controversial comments since Brown was killed last August during an encounter with Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson.

She reportedly called the protests St. Louis’ “race war.”

A St. Louis County grand jury decided in November not to bring charges against Wilson, a move that resulted in widespread protests.

Chappelle-Nadal’s remarks on the entire issue that she has posted on her official website have been more straightforward.

“I condemn all acts of violence and looting,” she wrote in the immediate aftermath of Brown’s death. “These are not the actions of upstanding citizens; these are the worst among us. … The police officer involved in the shooting will have a chance to explain himself.”

In early December, Chappelle-Nadal introduced legislation that largely focuses on requiring police officers to wear body cameras.

She said the proposal is in response to her and other residents being “abused by overzealous law enforcement” during the protests, including being hit by tear gas multiple times.