The case focuses on North Florida’s Congressional District 5, which in the past elected Black Democrat Al Lawson but was dramatically changed last year and was won by a white Republican in November’s elections.
During opening arguments, Greg Baker, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said the case is “purely about racial discrimination,” which he sought to pin on DeSantis. He said the former District 5, which stretched from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee, was split up last year and absorbed into four districts.
But Mohammad Jazil, an attorney for the state, said the redistricting plan was driven by issues such as making districts compact and following geographic and political boundaries, such as significant waterways and city boundaries. He also challenged the notion that the plaintiffs could show the map was motivated by racial discrimination.The trial is expected to last at least through part of next week.
Marsh said the plan violated a 2010 state constitutional amendment known as the Fair Districts Amendment, which set standards for redistricting. Part of that amendment barred drawing districts that would “diminish” the ability of minorities to “elect representatives of their choice.” The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the plan during a special session after DeSantis vetoed a proposal that could have led to electing a Black candidate in District 5, the plaintiffs’ attorneys argue.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Racial discrimination claim key as North Florida redistricting trial startsThe case focuses on North Florida’s Congressional District 5, which in the past elected Black Democrat Al Lawson but was dramatically changed last year and was won by a white Republican in November’s elections.
Baca lebih lajut »
Ophelia causes flooding in Coastal North Carolina as it heads northThe storm made landfall near Emerald Isle at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday with winds close to 70 mph, later subsiding to 40 mph.
Baca lebih lajut »
Coastal North Carolina hit by flooding as Tropical Storm Ophelia travels northThe storm also promises a wet and windy weekend all along the mid-Atlantic region through Sunday.
Baca lebih lajut »
Companies may benefit from transparency about racial diversity effortsCompanies that reveal their struggles to increase racial diversity in their workforces are perceived as more trustworthy and committed to diversity than companies that remain silent, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
Baca lebih lajut »
California Gov. Newsom signs law barring schoolbook bans based on racial, gender teachingsThe bill bans school boards from rejecting textbooks based on their teachings about the contributions of people from different racial backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities.
Baca lebih lajut »