ST. CLOUD – In the first of several tours to learn more about what the state can do to reduce racial disparities, Gov. Mark Dayton caught an earful.
At a community forum, residents of the St. Cloud region peppered him with questions — and suggestions — on what his administration can do to address racial disparities plaguing black Minnesotans.
Attendees asked about how Minnesota will close its achievement gap, add manufacturing jobs and reduce racial harassment on college campuses.
The forum grew testy at times, but Dayton said later he thought it remained "respectful." The audience included Somali immigrants, nonprofit organizers, older white residents and college students.
In one instance, an attendee asked "leaders of Somali culture" whether immigrants had done enough to assimilate. Another accused a Somali man of working for an organization that he said had ties to terrorism groups, later urging those around him to "Google it" when the man denied the accusation.
Dayton denounced "bigots" and said those with racist attitudes do not belong in Minnesota. He said he would not tolerate racial discrimination, adding, "If you can't accept that, find another state."
To immigrants, Dayton said: "You have every right to be here." The event, organized by the central Minnesota chapter of the NAACP, was an effort to start discussion on racial disparities in housing, jobs and education.
Afterward, Dayton called the conversation constructive and said he appreciated "people's tolerance."
