2024 HOD Candidate Questionnaire Response
Name Olivia Dowler
Office Sought House of Delegates District 2
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 2
Your Hometown Weirton, WV
Campaign Website dowlerforwv.com
Instagram/Twitter/TikTok: oliviadowlerwv
Facebook: Dowler for Delegate 2024
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade. As a result, the WV legislature enacted a near total ban on abortion less than three months later. With no access to or Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think abortion policy should look like in West Virginia?
The near total abortion ban in place currently puts anyone with the capability of becoming pregnant at risk. I believe that the government should have no say in if, when, and how someone chooses to become pregnant and start a family. It is a violation of privacy and personal freedoms to take away someone's right to make decisions about their own body. At the moment, protecting the ability to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and to receive the pills necessary for a medication abortion is incredibly important for the legislature to focus on.
Several West Virginia municipalities have passed ordinances that expand the definition of racial discrimination to include discriminating against traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Would you support expanding this protection statewide? Why or why not?
I would definitely support expanding this protection statewide. Every individual deserves to be their authentic self. Racial discrimination should not be tolerated in any form. Black communities have been fighting for legislation such as the Crown Act for years now, and I will happily join alongside them in the fight.
Many states have created laws that seek to limit the teaching of "divisive concepts" or "critical race theory". West Virginia narrowly missed passing a similar law during the 2022 Legislative Session. What is the value or harm in teaching these topics and what role should the legislature play in determining this curriculum?
All history should be taught honestly—even (and especially) the frustrating, sad, maddening events that have taken place. This helps us to learn how we got to where we are today, how to learn from the past, and how to improve things for the future. Divisive concepts cannot go unspoken. The legislature should allow the freedom for all West Virginian's to learn accurate and complete history.
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity. Proponents claim these protections are necessary to end the ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Opponents claim that such protections infringe upon religious beliefs. What do you believe and would you support or oppose a statewide law?
I would support a statewide law. Everyone deserves equal protection under the law, no matter how they identify or who they love. This is especially important with the concerning statistics around mental health and bullying involving the LGBTQ+ community, especially queer youth.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Senate passed legislation mandating, “In God We Trust” be posted in all West Virginia schools and permitting teachers to discuss ‘creationism’ and ‘intelligent design creationism’ as part of public-school science curricula. What role do you think religion should play in the public school system, and why?
Religion should not play a part in the public school system. The United States has a separation between church and state. Displaying and forcing the teaching of a religion in schools infringes on the rights of people who follow other religions or none at all.
In 2023, West Virginia lawmakers passed HB2007, severely restricting access to gender affirming healthcare services for West Virginians under the age of 18. Proponents of the legislation claimed it was about keeping kids safe, and opponents argued in favor of parental rights and medical freedom. What role, if any, do you believe government should play regarding medical decisions relating to gender affirming healthcare services, and why?
I do not believe the government should play a role regarding any medical decisions, including those relating to gender affirming healthcare services; these decisions are up to individuals, their families, and their medical providers. Gender affirming healthcare can be lifesaving. Again, people deserve to have the right to privacy regarding their personal health decisions.
Though abolished in 1965, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills designed to reinstate the death penalty. What are your thoughts on capital punishment in general, and would you support or oppose the effort to reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia?
I would oppose the effort to reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia and do not support the death penalty in general.
There is increasing tension with communities of people who are unhoused or face housing insecurity. Police breakups of encampments are common, and municipalities have shown growing opposition to low-barrier housing and recovery housing. How would you address community concerns while protecting the rights of unhoused people?
The best way to address community concerns and protect the rights of unhoused folks is by working to solve the root causes, such as poverty, hunger, and access to education and the workforce. Criminalizing homelessness has never made progress towards finding a solution to ending homelessness.
Police violence has been in the forefront of national headlines for several years. Some propose more civilian oversight of law enforcement through civilian review boards that could review incidents and policies. Others view these boards as "anti-police" and point out that civilians are ill-equipped to understand the nature of police work. Do you support the use of civilian review boards? What other steps, if any, should the state take to provide transparency and accountability for police?
Civilian review boards can be effective in simplifying the process for communities members to submit complaints, improving accountability and transparency, and connecting our neighbors and officers. The state should also encourage data collection, public reporting, and usage of body cameras.
Jails in West Virginia are above capacity and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps, if any, should West Virginia take to address these issues?
I believe that West Virginia could take steps to restrict or eliminate cash bail for nonviolent offenses, as this would prevent so many people that have yet to even go to trial from being in jail/prisons. According to the Prison Policy Institute, 56% of people in jails in West Virginia are being held pretrial. Reducing/eliminating cash bail would significantly decrease the amount of people in jails/prisons and balance the ratio between residents and staff.
Currently, people coming out of incarceration on probation, parole, or supervised release for a felony conviction are unable to vote. When, if ever, do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever, should that right be restored?
I do not believe that people should ever lose their right to vote. This is a right for all taxpaying American citizens. Disenfranchising individuals does not make progress towards helping folks become rehabilitated citizens.
Across the country, there is controversy about what is obscene. Often these focus on sexual education, content that discusses sexual orientation or gender identity, profanity, and references to sex. This controversy has led to renewed attempts to censor or restrict access to controversial material. What do you think is the proper role of the government in restrict material like this and where do you draw the line at what is obscene?
I believe that there are already safeguards in place that protect minors from truly obscene content. When it comes to children, parents play the main role in setting guidelines and having conversations about this content. If people do not want to read or see certain things, they should steer clear of it, but they shouldn't take away that option from others.