Rep. Jackson Challenges Sec. Rubio on Afrikaner Refugees and Diversity in State Department

Jackson's Opening Statement on Apartheid History

• 📌 Representative Jackson begins by recounting his arrest 39 years prior while protesting South Africa's apartheid government.
• ⚠️ He asserts that Secretary Rubio's current policies on South Africa are wrong, stemming from a misunderstanding or indifference to the country's history.

DEI Policies and National Security

• 💡 Jackson questions Secretary Rubio regarding President Trump's decision to end US government support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.
• ⚖️ He argues that these congressionally-mandated efforts, which have enjoyed bipartisan consensus, are being attacked in the name of an "anti-woke agenda."
• 📊 Jackson posits that diversity strengthens the country and that workforce demographics not reflecting the population warrant inquiry into impediments.

Rubio's Stance on Diversity and Law

• 🎯 When asked if diversity is a strength, Rubio responds that unity is our strength.
• ✅ Rubio affirms that following the law is important, stating, "We follow the law every day."
• 📜 Jackson references Section 5403 of the 2022 NDAA, which requires the State Department to strengthen recruitment from underrepresented groups, a bill Rubio supported.
• 🗣️ Jackson challenges Rubio, asking if he stands by strengthening diversity within the State Department, to which Rubio replies he stands by hiring the best people irrespective of background.
• 🎭 Jackson criticizes Rubio's stance as contradictory and hypocritical, urging him to uphold his convictions rather than capitulate to President Trump.