Why does Marklein support ending DEI?

From Myra Enloe

Dodgeville

To the Editor:

State Senator Howard Marklein has been holding listening sessions throughout District 17 in Southwest Wisconsin. While he politely listens to what constituents have to say, he refuses to answer questions, educate us on what is happening in the legislature or explain his position on issues important to constituents.

I would like to know why he supports a Wisconsin constitutional amendment (AJR 102/109) aimed at ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public institutions. This amendment will hinder efforts to address systemic inequalities and will put at risk programs designed to assist marginalized communities.

I would like to know if he will support an independent redistricting committee that takes the drawing of voting maps completely out of the hands of politicians — regardless of party. I’d like to hear his rationale for expanding private school education with taxpayer dollars to the detriment of our public schools.

I would like to know if he is willing to support SB 644 to require de-masking and identification of arresting agents? Will he vote against SB 57 requiring Wisconsin sheriffs to cooperate with the federal immigration functions, even when we know those functions are being enacted unconstitutionally with illegal warrants, cruelty, disregard for civil rights and no due process?

We deserve legislators who will engage respectfully with us, even when we disagree. It is only through dialogue and a willingness to understand one another that we come to reasonable consensus on how best to shape policy, and ultimately, our society.