Rep. Juandalynn Givan calls out attacks on VP Kamala Harris, criticizes double standard

State Representative Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, has publicly denounced the sexist and racist attacks directed at Vice President Kamala Harris, asserting that Alabama’s U.S. Senator Katie Britt would not face the same derogatory comments if she were in Harris’s position. Givan’s remarks came during an interview with Dothan’s WTVY, where she criticized those perpetuating the harmful narratives about Harris.

“You have fools out there that think this woman got to where she is by laying on her back,” Givan told WTVY. 

Givan elaborated further in a conversation with AL.com, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such personal attacks. “If you want to attack her on her policy, if you want to attack her on all of those things dealing with her job performance, that’s a whole different thing,” Givan said. “But what you’re not going to do as white Republican Alabamians or Americans is say that she got to where she is by laying on her back, that she’s a DEI, that she’s a ho and that she’s all these other things all into one.”

Givan, who is the National President of NOBEL Women recently, expressed her excitement and the importance of such recognition in light of ongoing racial and gender-based challenges. “We are honored to host this reception alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Higher Heights for America, to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Black women elected executives, legislators, and those serving in judicial capacities,” she said.

Givan’s strong defense of Harris comes amid a broader discussion on the treatment of women of color in politics. Harris, the first woman and first woman of color to serve as Vice President, has often been the target of misogynistic and racist rhetoric. Givan’s remarks underscores the double standards that exist within the political arena, where women, particularly women of color, are judged more harshly and personally attacked more frequently than their white counterparts.

This issue highlights the persistent double standards faced by women of color in politics and the need for continued advocacy and support for equitable treatment across all levels of leadership. Givan’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and respect for all women in positions of power.