Drug Paraphernalia, Teaching Truth, Honoring Civil Rights Hero, and More
Whip-It Bill Introduced
Last week I introduced SB 855, which adds Nitrous Oxide to the list of substances for which selling paraphernalia is illegal, in the public health code. In 2018, Rep. Joe Bellino and I passed legislation that prohibited the sale of whip-its to minors and instituted a fine for stores who failed to check for ID or who sold whip-its to minors. Over the past year, I have been working with law enforcement and community groups in Detroit, such as the Whippet Wipeout Coalition, and it has become clear that, instead of minors, adults are now abusing whip-its at higher rates. This is being widely observed by local law enforcement, and the used whip-it cylinders are a litter nuisance. In collaboration with the coalition, in 2021, the City of Detroit prohibited the possession, sale, and consumption of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes. SB 855 will prohibit stores from selling any paraphernalia used to access nitrous oxide for use as an inhalant.
Teach Truth Package
Unveiled Senators Geiss, Hollier, Wojno, and I introduced a package of bills that would require public schools to include lessons about the histories of people of color and indigenous communities in their social studies curriculum to ensure that students are receiving an equitable education that responsibly represents history. It is so clear to many Michiganders that if we actually taught the history of all our communities, perhaps we would have better community relations, less hate, and more inclusion. My bill, Senate Bill 797, would require schools to teach Asian American Pacific Islander history. In the wake of anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, many Asian American parents and educators reached out to ask what we can do to ensure our children learn Asian American history in our schools.
Black History Month
Let’s honor and celebrate all of the amazing accomplishments of Black Americans this month and every single month of the year! The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is holding Black History Month events all month long. This is a great way to take part in Black History Month. For more information click here. Additionally, story time is a great way to teach young children about Black pioneers and trailblazers. For a list of 12 children’s books celebrating Black History, visit PBS Kids.
World Hijab Day resolution
I was proud to offer Senate Resolution 104 to recognize February 1st, 2022 as World Hijab Day. World Hijab Day is an opportunity for the millions of Muslim women around the world who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty. It’s also an open invitation to women of all walks of life to wear a hijab and stand in solidarity with Muslim women. The hijab is a traditional veil worn around a woman’s hair and chest and a very important part of the history of Islam and is a symbol that promotes dignity and respect for women. World Hijab Day is used to raise awareness and to provide education and empowerment. Michigan is a diverse state and World Hijab Day is a fantastic opportunity for us to participate and learn about our neighbors. We have so much to learn from others, and recognizing this day is our chance to proudly display our support of religious freedom.
Fred Korematsu
Last week the Governor declared January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day in the state of Michigan. Fred Korematsu is a civil rights hero and the subject of the landmark 1944 Supreme Court decision Korematsu v. United States. Korematsu was arrested on May 30, 1942, and convicted on September 8, 1942, for defying the government's order to be moved to an internment camp for Japanese Americans, and he appealed his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite many defeats along the way, Fred tenaciously fought for what he believed in and never gave up. Today, his court case and Justice Murphy’s famous dissent is a case study in Civil Rights law. In 1998, President Clinton honored Fred Korematsu with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For more information on his legacy please visit: https://korematsuinstitute.org/
Upcoming Events
February 11th, 10-11AM
Virtual Coffee Hour with Rep. Camilleri
Please join Representative Camilleri and me for a virtual conversation about what we have been working on in the state legislature. Grab a cup of coffee and join us on Facebook for a virtual chat! For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/649147229 465144
February 25th, 10-11AM
Virtual Coffee Hour with Rep. Tate
Please join Representative Joe Tate and I for a virtual conversation about what we have been working on in the state legislature. Please come with questions and ideas to share! For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/4818500435 52543
March 9th, 6-7 PM
Save the Date Gun Safety Town Hall with Rep. Kuppa
Wednesday, March 9th, 6-7pm Please join Representative Padma Kuppa and I for a virtual discussion about gun safety and storage in the state of Michigan. We will have special guests from Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords.
