Lame 'Dad Joke' Racist Allegations Confront Kansas Education Commish

Our hot take . . . Your dad, EVERYBODY'S DAD says/said stuff that's much worse than this . . . 

On a semi-professional note, there's simply no reason to attempt levity in today's workplace wherein even one unguarded moment and/or misstatement could earn statewide negative headlines . . . Meanwhile, people who REALLY advocate for Native Americans might understand there are much more important battles to fight.

Here's the offending line and more context . . .

“It’s always fascinating, I had some cousins from California, they were petrified of tornadoes,” Watson said. “They’d come visit us, you know, in the summer. They’re like, ‘Are we going to get killed by a tornado?’ I’d say ‘Don’t worry about that, but you got to worry about the Indians raiding the town at any time.’ And they really thought that.”

KSNT’s Capitol Bureau obtained video of the virtual conference Thursday that showed Commissioner Randy Watson make the remarks. The comments, which Native American legislators in the state said left them “appalled,” were made when the commissioner was telling a story about tornadoes in the state. Watson had changed the subject after thanking attendees for their work in improving the postsecondary effectiveness rate, which is a measurement towards high school graduation rate and student success.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Video: Education leader says 'Indians raid' Kansas towns

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Education Commissioner is facing calls to resign after a video showed he made a controversial comment about Native Americans during a meeting. KSNT's Capitol Bureau obtained video of the virtual conference Thursday that showed Commissioner Randy Watson make the remarks.

Calls grow for Kansas ed leader to go over 'raiding' remark

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Gov. Laura Kelly and indigenous leaders on Thursday called on Kansas' top public school administrator to resign over an offensive public remark about Native Americans. Kelly was joined by three Native American lawmakers and the chair of one of Kansas' four Native American nations in demanding that Randy Watson step down as state education commissioner.

Governor calls on Kansas education commissioner to resign over alleged racist comment

WICHITA - Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has called on Education Commissioner Randy Watson to resign, following what she called a "derogatory and discriminatory" comment Watson made at a conference last week.

Developing . . .