Reference to ‘white male’ advantages booed on Oklahoma House floor

Article here. Excerpt:

'Boos pierced an otherwise quiet afternoon in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Monday after a relatively routine bill on small-business development turned into a debate on “reverse discrimination” and the plight of white males.

Senate Bill 119, by Sen. Michael Bergstrom, R-Adair, would somewhat broaden eligibility for the Oklahoma Supplier Diversity Initiative, a state Department of Commerce program intended to connect small businesses with potential customers, including state agencies.

It especially targets small businesses owned by minorities, women and U.S. military veterans by providing some technical assistance on applications and the like and by listing them on a website promoted to potential clients.

“Is this trying to level the playing field for all the white males who are booing?” she asked, addressing her questions to Lepak under the rules of the House. “Would you agree they’ve already enjoyed a great privilege in America as it relates to jobs?”

Olsen and Goodwin then both debated against the bill for diametrically opposed reasons. Olsen claimed that the original program, at least, is an example of “reverse discrimination,” while Goodwin said the measure itself dilutes a program intended to help women, minorities, disabled veterans and other disadvantaged groups with small businesses.'