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Democratic governor Roy Cooper withdrew LaWana Mayfield's appointment to a state board because she once referred to police as terrorists.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper withdrew his appointment of a queer woman of color to the state's Human Relations Commission after past criticisms of police surfaced.
The Democratic governor rescinded his choice of LaWana Mayfield following pressure from Republican lawmakers, according to the The Charlotte Observer. While Mayfield, a Charlotte City Council member, remains one of just seven LGBTQ elected officials in North Carolina, critics say it was outspoken comments about officers that raised ire.
Last March, Mayfield posted a social media comment about police brutality directed toward President Trump.
"Being Black in America under #45 has created homegrown terrorist wearing blue uniforms. #AReckoningIsComing," Mayfield tweeted.
That comment prompted all 29 Republicans in the North Carolina Senate to sign onto a letter demanding Cooper pull Mayfield's appointment to the Human Relations Commission.
"Do you agree that this type of violent, hateful rhetoric has no place in our political discourse, and certainly not on a commission that is intended to promote equality and justice in governmental services?" the senators wrote.
"Your elevation of Council Member Mayfield to this commission raises questions about your administration's stance toward law enforcement."
When Cooper buckeled to the demand, it left LGBTQ activists in the state dismayed.
"We are extremely disappointed Governor Cooper took the important step of appointing a Black LGBTQ woman to the Human Relations Commission and then rescinded it due to pressure from the architects of HB2," reads a statement from the LGBTQ Victory Institute.
The statement referenced a so-called "bathroom bill" signed by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in 2016. That bill spawned national controversy, costing the state millions in tourism dollars and spurring a special session when lawmakers repealed the bill. The fallout fueled Cooper's nrrow defeat of McCrory a few months later.
"For the state Senate Republicans to demand Councilwoman Mayfield be removed because of several controversial comments is the height of hypocrisy given the traumatic damage their policies -- not words -- have had on LGBTQ people and people of color in the state," the Institute statement continues.
"Councilwoman Mayfield is a tireless fighter for the underserved communities the commission is meant to protect and her perspective and lived experience would be invaluable. With the unfortunate rescindment of her appointment, it is now essential Governor Cooper appoint someone who can provide the same insights into the lives of LGBTQ women of color."
Mayfield, in April, also shared an article on Facebook promoting a 9/11 conspiracy theory.
North Carolina activist Ray McKinnon said pulling Mayfield's appointment over past statements was "downright shameful."
"EVERYTHING that @lawanamayfield has ever said or done is a matter of public record," he tweeted. "It isn't like this was unknown. Why even appoint her and put her through this indignity and shame?"
Mayfield in her own social media posts since having her name withdrawn remains defiant as ever.
"The Only error is NOT Standing up. #UnapologeticallyBlackQueerAndWoman," she tweeted. "I am so Thankful for All of the support shown."
