Hearing on Gun Violence Prevention Spars with Terminology
During a recent hearing, Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri inquired about the term “two spirits” in a crime reduction “Playbook” presented by Gregory Jackson Jr., the former deputy director of the Department of Gun Violence Prevention. Jackson is the Executive Director of the Community Justice Action Fund.
The organization’s playbook emphasizes frameworks aimed at reducing gun violence without relying on police, particularly through initiatives targeting the LGBTQ+ community. While Hawley referenced sections of the report that discussed these initiatives, he found that Jackson struggled to clarify the term “two spirits.”
“There’s something we should say here that we should invest. Instead of funding the police, here’s what we should invest… What are the two spirits?” Hawley asked.
“Well, look, I don’t know exactly,” Jackson replied, acknowledging the complexity of the quotes being discussed.
Hawley pointed out that Jackson’s organization produced the report. Jackson then attempted to steer the conversation back to the report’s focus on interventions, outreach, and victim services.
Hawley questioned Jackson about the push for funding programs focused on “two spirits,” further noting a lack of clarity on what that meant. Jackson contended that the organization they represent does not discriminate.
However, Hawley referenced a passage from the report which indicated a need for policymakers to bolster police funding while simultaneously supporting community efforts to address gun violence.
Hawley reiterated his request for a definition of “Two Spirit,” confessing he was not familiar with its meaning.
“Well, honestly, I don’t fully know the language or spirit of how it was written,” Jackson conceded, which led to further questioning from Hawley. Jackson responded that he felt like he was “looking at a two-sided individual.”
Hawley pressed for clarity, expressing frustration. “The answer is here. The answer is that there is no solution,” he stated, criticizing the notions put forth in the report for potentially undermining community safety by diverting resources from police.
Jackson maintained that their efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in murder rates.
As tensions escalated, Hawley accused Jackson of evading questions and failing to stand by the report’s statements, denouncing the policies suggested as “ridiculous.”
In September 2023, former President Joe Biden announced the formation of the Bureau of Gun Violence Prevention, appointing Jackson as deputy director.
