Kenneth Stokes Prepares Legal Action
“We’ll take whatever legal actions necessary to deal with this,” said Dennis Sweet, attorney for Jackson Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes.
Jackson city councilman Kenneth Stokes is gearing up for legal action ahead of a possible censure next week following a heated November 3 council meeting, WLBT reported. The dispute centers on remarks Stokes made after protesters allegedly talked about his mother. “take the rags off your heads” Stokes told a group of Muslim protesters during the exchange said the source context.
On Thursday, Stokes and his attorney, Dennis Sweet, held a press conference where Sweet denounced the proposed censure as unconstitutional and a violation of free speech. Sweet argued that the comments made by protesters about Stokes’ mother acted as fighting words designed to elicit a response. He also questioned the wording of Jackson Code Section 2-77(1), which requires councilmembers to maintain decorum and avoid bringing disgrace or embarrassment upon the city.
The comments drew immediate backlash from local and national organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which called for immediate disciplinary action on November 5. Council President Vernon Hartley sent a letter to Stokes on November 9 urging a public apology and a formal response within three days. Sweet criticized the disciplinary push as subjective, questioning whether other council members besides Hartley were genuinely offended by the incident.
Stokes Refuses Public Apology
Stokes has refused to apologize for the remarks, doubling down in multiple interviews and on his radio show. In a statement read during the Thursday press conference, Stokes expressed regret that the council is focusing on an insignificant matter instead of funding desperately needed city improvements.
“I regret that this council has the time to discuss this insignificant matter instead of concentrating its energy on issues that the citizens of Jackson really care about, issues that affect their daily lives,” Stokes wrote in his statement.
Council Vice-Kevin Parkinson stated he could not comment on potential legal matters, and Hartley was not immediately available for comment regarding the impending legal response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific code section did Council President Vernon Hartley cite in his letter to Stokes?
Hartley referenced Jackson Code Section 2-77(1), which requires a councilmember to maintain decorum and avoid bringing disgrace or embarrassment upon the city.
When did the initial council meeting take place that sparked the controversy?
The regular council meeting where the confrontation occurred took place on November 3.
What organization called for immediate disciplinary action against Stokes following the incident?
The Council on American-Islamic Relations called for immediate disciplinary action on November 5, stating that slurs, misogyny, and Islamophobia have no place in government chambers.
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