During a recent floor debate, freshman Republican congressman Eli Crane triggered an official rebuke for his insensitive reference to Black Americans. Crane proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would prohibit the Pentagon from implementing diversity and inclusion training, specifically related to race. In response, Ohio Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, took a stand against Crane’s proposal.
Beatty, highlighting the historical struggles faced by Black officers and women who were initially excluded from serving, passionately opposed Crane’s amendment. She emphasized that Crane’s proposal would hinder progress. Crane, defending his amendment, criticized what he referred to as “woke” concepts in the military and argued that diversity was never the primary focus of the armed forces. He stated, “Its strength is not its diversity, its strength is its standards.”
However, it was Crane’s use of the term “colored people” that sparked Beatty’s outrage. Crane clarified that his amendment didn’t affect the ability of anyone, including people of color or Black individuals, to serve in the military. Beatty, deeply offended by Crane’s words, requested that the chamber’s presiding officer remove the term “colored people” from the official record. Although Crane tried to amend his statement to say “people of color,” Beatty rejected the alteration, and the officer granted her request for removal.
Crane faced swift backlash for his remarks. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a member of the Black Caucus, condemned Crane’s words, emphasizing that they epitomized the GOP’s stance. The Black Caucus itself called Crane’s comments “unconscionable” and highlighted the necessity of diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Later, Crane attempted to clarify his statement, acknowledging his mistake and affirming that everyone is equal and made in the image of God. Despite the controversy, Crane’s amendment was ultimately adopted by the House in a close vote of 214-210.
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