Washington, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued the following statement today regarding Don Imus’ comments about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team:

“The comments made by radio personality Don Imus were completely insensitive, inappropriate, and ignorant. Historically, Mr. Imus has made inflammatory statements with minimum retribution. This most recent display of blatant ignorance is a microcosm of racial and sexist lawlessness that exists in mainstream media and our society as a whole. The national and local media networks proudly tout the ascension of Don Imus from notorious ‘shock jock’ to creditable news source, while routinely affording him a free pass to misuse the airwaves to promote his narrow-minded and offensive propaganda.

These young women exhibited strength of mind, body, and spirit to make it to the championship game. However, Mr. Imus did not celebrate their accomplishment or their skills. Instead, he commenced a direct assault on these young ladies, making negative remarks about their hair and referring to them using what might be the most derogatory term you can call any woman—regardless of her race.

Mr. Imus’ blunder is more than an egregious error; it is a blatant and callous disregard for the struggles and sacrifices these young women face as they strive to improve the quality of their lives. These young women deal with the pressure of being student-athletes at a predominately white university in a country where the odds are already stacked against them. They need and deserve our support.

Mr. Imus just does not get it. He does not recognize—and does not want to understand—the damage and destruction he caused with his stereotypical, racist comments. Such statements destroy and divide instead of encourage and embrace. At a time when our country faces immense challenges in education, employment, and healthcare, our children need to be buoyed by hope—not broken by hurt.

Mr. Imus’ crass and offensive remarks speak to a broader issue about diversity in the media and tolerance in America. They prove that we still have much work to do to break the chains of bigotry, racism, and sexism that still shackle our country.

Mr. Imus’ public apology is not enough. I am calling for the immediate termination of Mr. Imus and his executive producer Bernard McGuirk. Additionally, I urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to mandate sensitivity training and a zero tolerance towards racist, sexist, anti-religious, and other discriminatory commentaries.”