Tell us about yourself.
Name Danielle Walker
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 81
City/Town Morgantown
Campaign Website https://www.daniellewalkerwv.com/
The US Supreme Court will decide Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this summer, which some have speculated may overturn Roe v. Wade. If there were no Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
West Virginia Abortion policies should repeal the bans. The current policies are flawed without an exception for rape and incest. Reproductive healthcare is healthcare and the decisions should remain patient /doctor privilege.
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 have supported expanding this protection statewide by introducing the Crown Act. I support this because the misconception of natural hair must stop. We need to make sure every Mountaineer has an equitable opportunity regardless of the natural strands that grow from their scalp.
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?
The value in teaching these topics is harming the truth of History, English, Mathematics, and Science. The legislature should not play as our job is to govern introducing policies without harm. The image is simple. If one child can survive it, another child should be strong enough to learn it. CRT doesn’t exist in WV public education k-12. Let’s get involved as elected officials and visit the classrooms for a day. Allow educators to educate.
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 for ongoing discrimination by 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?
The Fairness Act is needed, wanted, and desired in the state of West Virginia. During the past four years, I have sat in The People’s House listening to my colleagues. An injustice to one neighbor is do harm to all. Without these protections, why is discrimination okay? The fine line of respect and religion are promoted in an all of nothing. Businesses have DEI departments to protect their employees but when they leave employment their housing can bring discrimination to these tax payers. West Virginia’s motto is All Mountaineer’s are Free. Why exclusion exist?
Recently a revival was held at schools in Cabell and Wayne counties. The Legislature has, in recent years, passed laws to allow teaching the Bible in public schools and allowing for religious drug-prevention programs to operate in schools. What do you think the role of religion in public schools should be and why?
The role of religion in public schools should be in an after school club. No student should be forced to attend a revival during instruction time. Not every student’s religious choice is not represented during these events. Freedoms should not be infringed upon.
The West Virginia Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution stating that West Virginia is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Critics have pointed out that the Legislature has recently considered legislation what would make things more difficult for refugees and immigrants to settle in West Virginia. Should West Virginia welcome refugees and immigrants? If no, why not? If yes, what can the state do to support these communities?
West Virginia should welcome refugees and immigrants. I’ve lived in this beautiful state for 12 years and I’ve listened to Mountaineers who speak about their families coming to West Virginia. The state can support these communities by being inclusive to all communities. Stop the stigmas of name calling certain refugees/immigrants and being open to others. Let’s continue to build a safe welcoming community for our neighbors in learning diverse cultural needs such as food, clothing, and housing.
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?
Community concerns are valid especially when everyone including unhoused people are included in the process. Amy Jo Hutchinson is a beacon of light when speaking about poverty. I have learned, lived, and witnessed being unhoused, giving a hand up, and choosing active listening. The first approach is removing the anger and stigmas. The second is funding wrap around services. The third may be recovery. We must incorporate safe, accessible, affordable housing. West Virginia needs an investment in meeting the needs of our neighbors who are below poverty and acknowledge they are Working Families, essential workers, educators, laborers, and the Working Poor.
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?
I support transparency and education to civilians. A first responder has a responsibility to every person they encounter. The first responder knows the do’s and don’ts but tax paying citizens do not. We need engagement between first responders and community members. It has become a household name when a particular officer has crossed the line. The other steps are be involved in the state police citizen review board. Start posing questions such as a civilian serves on the board but it’s usually a retired officer, why? We need transparency at all levels of law enforcement. When will the state invest too end the institutional backlash? The state could invest in every department by completing a study of the laws that govern each department. When laws from 1986 are not updated, this will allow mishandling of some citizens with disabilities. Conversely, we must continue to introduce legislation for more training when approaching someone who be diagnosed with Autism or Alzheimer’s.
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?
West Virginia needs bail reform. West Virginia needs to educate magistrates and judges about the yearly legislative changes. West Virginians need to pay attention who’s on the ballot for these elected positions. Justice impacted persons should have a voice. For every prison that is overcrowded, the state should have a funding mechanism to review the cases, parole, and probation steps. We should not re-write the criminal code with increased time and slim to none rehabilitation available. Prisons are understaffed because the pay is not a livable wage. As we are thinking about legislation, we should make sure all stakeholders are present.
Currently, people who are incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction are unable to vote. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people who are on probation and parole. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever should that right be restored?
No one should lose their right to vote. People who are incarcerated or on probation or parole are working at some level. If the lose their right to vote, it should be regained after civics education course, they are granted to work outside of the prison or jail, or approved for probation or parole.