Despite Censure, Loss Of Committee Seat, Lisanti Intends To Remain In Office

The Maryland House of Delegates on Thursday unanimously censured Del. Mary Ann Lisanti, who continues to face calls for her resignation after she admitted to using a racial slur.

"This is a serious situation and it warrants a serious response from this body," House majority leader Del. Kathleen Dumais said on the House floor prior to the resolution's adoption. "Outside of elections, the power to discipline members is hours and ours alone."

Dumais, who said the vote marked a "sad day," said she hoped the vote sent a message that such language would not be tolerated. The vote was 137-0.

Read the censure resolution

Calls for the Harford County Democrat to resign have mounted in the days after she admitted to using the N-word in a conversation with colleagues to describe a Prince George's County district.

"Her actions have caused hurt and disappointment among legislators and the general public. This behavior has become a distraction to the important work that these dedicated public servants do each and every day in the legislature," Speaker Michael Busch said in a statement. "As Speaker, I will not allow this House to be torn apart by hurtful and divisive slurs. I demand that every member treat each other with the respect and dignity that they deserve – and treat the citizens of Maryland that way."

Lisanti intended on speaking from the House floor after the vote, but instead read prepared remarks at a press conference that evening. In the statement, she appeared to walk back an admittance that she used the racial slur, and that whoever heard it circumvented the legislature's anti-harassment policy and instead went straight to the media.

"Words matter, they can inflict pain," Lisanti said. "I, too, denounce the use of this word. It is not in my vocabulary, and it does not represent my belief system, my life's work or what's in my heart."

She said resignation would be the "easy way out." She said she is planning to hire someone to reach out to diverse communities in Harford County, and has accepted an invitation from Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to visit that county.

Lisanti will still be able to introduce bills and vote on the House floor. Though Lisanti had already been stripped of a leadership post, Busch on Thursday also said she has been stripped of her assignment on the House Economic Matters Committee. Despite that and despite the censure vote, she maintained Thursday that she would not resign.

Delegate Lisanti says after the censure vote that she will not resign. She says that would be easy. She will also take the Prince George’s County Executive’s offer to visit. pic.twitter.com/fwYxd9KQJF — David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) February 28, 2019

Delegate Lisanti tells @dcollinsWBAL: "I'm deeply apologetic. I've made a mistake, and I'm trying to repent for that." >> https://t.co/2D5sEenfVB pic.twitter.com/bd3X7VO6pW — WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (@wbaltv11) February 27, 2019

State leaders, the Maryland Democratic Party, the Maryland Republican Party and the Legislative Black Caucus have called on Lisanti to resign. The NAACP joined black lawmakers Friday in calling for Del. Mary Ann Lisanti to step down. They criticized her for failing to take responsibility for saying the slur last month at a gathering with fellow lawmakers.

The NAACP joined black lawmakers Friday in calling for Del. Mary Ann Lisanti to step down. They criticized her for failing to take responsibility for saying the slur last month at a gathering with fellow lawmakers.

Lisanti will also undergo sensitivity training.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Every public official must stand for the values of equality and inclusion that unite Maryland families from all backgrounds. — Anthony G. Brown (@RepAnthonyBrown) February 27, 2019

I am honored to represent the people of Prince George’s County, and I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland in their call for Delegate Lisanti to resign. — Anthony G. Brown (@RepAnthonyBrown) February 27, 2019

For too long, racial slurs have been used to oppress people of color. Public servants that use this type of bigoted language should be held accountable. Words have consequences. Delegate Lisanti must do the right thing and resign. https://t.co/gRAIMTYSZE — Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) February 27, 2019