“We would hope they would have more consideration to say, ‘… let’s look at finding ways to come together rather than always looking for ways to drive us apart,’” said Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester.

Kaepernick, who was born in Wisconsin, sparked national controversy by kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem at NFL games to protest police brutality and what he sees as oppression of African-Americans. He has also appeared wearing socks that portrayed police officers as pigs.

Rep. LaKeshia Myers, D-Milwaukee, said she supported adding Kaepernick to the Black History Month resolution because he is from Milwaukee, excelled in his profession, and took responsibility in showing his dissent, mirroring efforts from past black leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr.

“He decided to take on ownership of a problem that he saw, which was police brutality, and the fact that we hope everyone in this room recognizes, that black lives are important, and yes, they do matter,” Myers said.

Myers, who originally voted in favor of the resolution, later requested her vote be changed, calling the resolution “watered down.” Legislators may request their vote be changed after a roll call vote, but it does not affect the official tally.