LAWTON – Two city officials issued a statement Friday in rebuke of comments that were uttered “in the heat of the moment” during the April 9 City Council meeting.
Councilman Kelly Harris “made statements … that were insensitive and hurtful to the Native American community,” Mayor Stan Booker and Mayor Pro Tempore Randy Warren wrote in their prepared statement.
“We want to make it unequivocally clear that those statements do not reflect the views, values or beliefs of the City Council as a whole, the City Administration, or City Employees,” they wrote. “Councilman Harris’s remarks, while borne out of frustration in response to personal attacks, were inappropriate and had unintentional racist overtones that have no place in our public discourse.”
“I agree with that assessment and add my personal apology,” Harris told Southwest Ledger. “To anybody who was offended by my statements, I sincerely apologize.”
The City of Lawton “holds the Native American community in the highest regard,” Booker and Warren continued. “Our Native residents are a vital and valued part of the rich cultural fabric of our City. We deeply respect the history, heritage and traditions of our region's Tribal Nations and Native Peoples.
“In recent years, the City has worked hard to strengthen our relationship with the Native American community through open dialogue, cultural events, and collaborative initiatives to address issues of shared concern.
“It is our great hope and firm commitment to continue building on this important work. Moving forward, we pledge to redouble our efforts to promote a harmonious, inclusive, and equitable culture in our City – one in which people of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds feel respected, valued and empowered to thrive.
“By listening to each other with empathy, communicating thoughtfully and truthfully, and working together in good faith, we believe there is no limit to what we can accomplish for the betterment of our entire community.
“We appreciate the understanding and ongoing engagement of our Native American residents, community leaders and tribal partners as we continue striving to live up to our highest ideals as a City. In friendship and determination, we will move forward together.”