Name Derek McIntyre
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 72
City/Town Shinnston
Data shows that Black and low-income students are disciplined at a higher rate than their peers in West Virginia schools. Involvement of School Resource Officers (SROs) exacerbates these discrepancies and can lead to the school-to-prison pipeline. Studies show SROs do little to make schools safer, while contributing to harsher discipline and drawing resources away from other services like mental health and other support services. What is your position on having SROs in schools?
I can only share my experiences in our local schools for the Lincoln High School feeder system. Particularly, Lincoln High School, in Shinnston has a great SRO relationship. While I can see the issues that can arise, the current SRO is and has been great for our community. Across the board, it may be different as indicated in the question, but based on my experience, I have no issues with SROs in our school district. I would like to see the details regarding all SROs across the state, and work on a solution to to excessive punishment of black and low income students. I also think, mental health and other support services need to be securely funded and and increased budgets, regardless of SROs.
Mental health has been a growing concern since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conversations on mental health are complicated by the prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) in the state. WV has long wait times for mental health services including SUD treatment. One proposal is using mental health teams as first responders. Would you support funding for more mental health response teams? Why or why not, and what if any is the role of the legislature in solving this issue?
First and foremos, absolutely YES on funding for mental health issues. Regarding teams of mental health first responders, I like that idea. Role of the legislature, I am not aware of any roles currently be solved.
In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In response, the West Virginia Legislature banned most abortions. Do you agree or disagree with this new law? What do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
100% Disagree with the new law. It is absolutely disgraceful the Super Majority of legislators think this is a smart move. The "exceptions" are not realistic. The law is a total sham. Personally I think the currently laws that were being implemented BEFORE the overturn of RvW, were "okay". Still a little to aggressive for my liking, but the majority of West Virginians, seemed to not care. In now way, shape or form, should the government step in one personal, medical or religious choices.
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 need further details on these ordinances.
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?
I think there is absolutely no harm on teaching these subjects. The legislator should not be choosing individual curriculum. Let the local school boards make those determinations.
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Do you support or oppose adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s nondiscrimination law? Why or why not?
Sure. Discrimination laws should not have exceptions.
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?
This is a hard question, and a frequent discussion in my current city of Shinnston. There isn't an easy answer, or at least a magic one to solve these issues. Expansion of low-income housing alternatives should be a priority in these communities, along with support services. And some places have done this. We need to find the most common reason these people are having housing issues. Is it mental health, or employment, or substance abuse, or a combination. I feel it is different in all parts of the state, and identifying the common issues first, will help lead to a solution. House or unhoused, people have rights, and they should be honored, regardless.
Jails in West Virginia are overcrowded, have some of the nation’s highest death rates, and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps should West Virginia take to address these issues?
First, current pay and benefits are more than subpar for these employees. A substantial pay and benefit increase is needed across the board. Secondly, we need to really look at the data of why these people inmates are locked up. Changing some criminal code will need to be checked as well.
Taxpayers who have served time behind bars and are currently on probation and/or parole cannot vote in West Virginia. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee joined a growing number of states this year and passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people in community corrections. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When should that right be restored?
That is a solid question. It should all be determined on the type of crime and conviction, along with the rehabilitation status of the individual. A set "drop" date or restoration of rights isn't always cut and dry. If you have been released from prison, completed the sentence, and contributing to society without harm, your rights should be fully restored.
Study after study shows that gender-affirming care is lifesaving for trans people. And yet, some states have banned things like hormone therapy and even labeled gender-affirming care for minors as child abuse. How can West Virginia, a state with a large percentage of trans-identifying teens, best protect transgender people?
Elect candidates that do not discriminate. That is the easiest solution. I do not believe hormone therapy is child abuse. Better education, and support services can curb these concerns.