A white legislator from Maryland was reportedly confronted this week by fellow lawmakers and forced to apologize after she allegedly referred to one of the state’s predominately black counties as a “n—er district.”
Del. Mary Ann Lisanti — a Democrat representing Harford — was allegedly speaking to a white colleague late last month during an “after-hours gathering” at an Annapolis cigar bar when she uttered the racial slur, according to The Washington Post.
“I’m sure everyone has used it,” said Lisanti, 51, during an interview with the newspaper.
The Post apparently confronted her earlier this month and asked about her alleged use of the word.
“I don’t recall that,” Lisanti said. “I don’t recall much of that evening.”
Asked whether she has ever used the slur before, the second-term lawmaker said: “I’m sure I have…I’m sure everyone has used it. I’ve used the f-word. I used the Lord’s name in vain.”
Lisanti was reportedly questioned once again on Monday night about the incident — this time by members of Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus. Only then did she give her apology.
“She apologized several times,” Del. Darryl Barnes (D-Prince George’s) told the Post. “She recognizes how she has hurt so many within the caucus, and she hoped to repent from this.”
Lisanti was in front of a racially mixed group of legislators when she allegedly made her remark about Prince George’s County. She had been discussing her white colleague’s campaign efforts last fall — which included knocking on doors in Prince George’s County, one of richest majority-black communities in the US, according to the Post.
“There is no place in the House of Delegates for any racial slurs — or slurs of any kind in society in general,” said House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel).
Lisanti did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday, however, she did release a statement saying she would be stepping down as chair of the unemployment insurance subcommittee on the House Economic Matters Committee.
“I understand that the use of inappropriate and insensitive language is not acceptable under any circumstance,” Lisanti said. “I am sorry for the hurt I have caused and will do everything I can to help heal that pain and regain the trust of my colleagues and constituents. I pray for forgiveness.”
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