Mayor talks of, apologizes for La Crosse’s past discrimination

Presentation last week talked of city’s discrimination

It’s not clear just yet whether it will be part of an official proclamation from city hall, but La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat plans on following through with an apology for past discrimination. 

The idea surfaced late last month during a presentation in city hall on La Crosse’s past of discrimination towards people of color. 

Kabat, in the WIZM studio Monday, contends an apology would be a good step forward.

“As mayor, in my mind, if my apology on behalf of the city, can help us move forward, and I can do that in a way that is meaningful for folks, I’m happy to do that,” Kabat said.

He believes the work of the city’s Human Rights Commission, in part, will help the city move beyond a discriminatory past.   

“I see the step of making an apology an important one as long as we come together on this,” Kabat said. “It’s the right thing to do.”

Kabat acknowledged the city’s racially discriminatory past and is striving for more equality and justice in the future can help the city prosper.  

“The more diversity you have, the stronger you get,” Kabat said. “When you’re homogeneous, I think you’re at your weakest. When you’re diverse, you’re at your strongest.”