WASHINGTON —Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., dramatically pulled a hoodie over his head on the House floor Wednesday in a show of solidarity with those protesting the handling of the Trayvon Martin shooting case. He was scolded for violating House rules of decorum and escorted from the chamber.
For the 65-year-old former 1960s Black Panther Party activist, an act of civil disobedience never felt so good.
“This came up from inside, the whole thing, it felt good doing it.” Rush said afterward. “It’s the least I can do to fight for justice for Trayvon Martin and others.”
Rush appeared to be conducting House business as usual during a time when members can speak for up to five minutes on any topic they choose.
“Racial profiling has to stop,” Rush said as he began to peel away his gray pinstripe suit jacket to reveal a gray hooded sweatshirt. “Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum. Just because someone is a young black male and wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum.”
Almost immediately, presiding Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., pounded his gavel and proclaimed Rush out of order. House rules forbid hats from being worn in the chamber when the House is in session.
“The rules say you can’t wear a hat,” Rush said afterward. “A hood is not a hat, so I kind of stretched the rule.”
After all, Rush said, “sometimes decorum has to take a back seat, especially when it comes to justice.”
