A Maryland lawmaker has apologized for using the n-word to refer to her constituents.

Maryland House of Delegates member Mary Ann Lisanti, a Democrat, used the racial slur when discussing door-knocking in Prince George’s County, a black-majority county, and called it a “n----- district,” according to the Washington Post.



In a letter Tuesday, Lisanti apologized for using “an insensitive and hurtful word,” adding that she has personally apologized to many of her colleagues in the House.

“I am sickened that word came out of my mouth,” Lisanti wrote. “It is not in my vocabulary, and it does not represent my belief system, my life’s work or what’s in my heart.”

The remark reportedly occurred at a cigar bar in late January, where several lawmakers were gathering, and was said to one of her white colleagues.

Earlier this month, Lisanti told the Post she did not remember using the word, saying, “I don’t recall that...I don’t recall much of that evening.” But when asked whether she’d ever used the n-word, Lisanti said, “I’m sure I have.”

“I’m sure everyone has used it,” she told the Post. “I’ve used the f-word. I used the Lord’s name in vain.”

Lisanti did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Delegate Darryl Barnes, who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus, said Lisanti “apologized several times” when confronted.

“She recognizes how she has hurt so many within the caucus, and she hoped to repent from this,” Barnes said. “She said that she doesn’t remember fully what happened, but she recognizes what happened.”

Lisanti has been removed as the chair of the Unemployment Insurance Subcommittee and will undergo sensitivity training, House Speaker Michael E. Busch said in a statement.

“Like anyone who has made a mistake, she has the opportunity for redemption — but it is her responsibility to do so and earn back the trust of her colleagues,” Busch said.

