Tell us about yourself.
Name Dylan Parsons
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Mountain
District 7
City/Town New Martinsville
Campaign Website https://parsonsforwv.wixsite.com/parsons-for-wv
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 should enact legislation, or even a constitutional amendment, which guarantees healthcare free at the point of service for all. This includes reproductive care, dental, vision, and gender-affirming care.
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?
Yes. Hair texture and style has often been used as an excuse to engage in thinly-veiled racial discrimination.
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?
CRT has been used by legislators to justify legislation which bans any teaching of America’s history with regards to race. As someone with a degree in history and a passion for the truth, the restrictions on education that are being attempted are extremely concerning. It is obvious that the legislature is attempting to punish our public educators for the statewide strike which empowered a new wave of labor unrest. We must wrestle control over curriculum away from the legislature and into the hands of our teachers, who are the experts. Furthermore, the WV State Board of Education should be reformed so that it is elected by our parents and educators rather than appointed by bought-and-paid-for politicians.
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?
As a follower of Jesus, the idea that Christianity demands hate and discrimination is appalling. All of our LGBTQ+ neighbors must be protected and I support legislation which bans discrimination based on gender or sexuality.
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?
There must be a firm separation of church and state. Religious instruction should be saved for Sunday school. I applaud the students and parents who stood up for their rights in Cabell and Wayne counties and I will fight in the legislature to ensure that all West Virginia students are secure in their freedom of and from religion.
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?
Yes, we should welcome refugees and immigrants. Both major parties have exposed their racism by supporting refugees and immigrants from Europe but opposing them from elsewhere. I will fight against such double standards and for the rights of those displaced by imperialism.
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?
We should guarantee the right of all West Virginians to safe and decent housing. We must also ensure that all West Virginians have support in their recovery, if needed, by making sure that all communities have accessible recovery centers and housing.
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?
We currently rely on our police to work several jobs at once — as law enforcement, as social workers, as healthcare professionals, as counselors, as mediators, and much more. We should redistribute these duties of police to other actors, including medical professionals, social workers, and other community-based alternatives. Further, it is often said that the police work for the people. If that is the case, then civilian review boards only make sense. In what others jobs are you not accountable to your employer?
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?
We should focus on decarceration by investing in restorative, transformative, and rehabilitative justice programs. Prisons are statistically ineffective at solving the problem of crime. We should promote policies which instead address the root causes of crime, including poverty and discrimination.
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?
I believe that the right to vote should be universal and inalienable from the age of 16 and up.