ATLANTA -- State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver opposed the new immigration law, and says it's not a surprise that the seven appointees to the state's new immigration review board are all white men.
"All white men being in charge seems to be pretty typical in my political world," said Oliver, referring to the Republican leadership at the Capitol.
The board was established to review complaints about enforcement of immigration laws. The makeup of the board is important, says Jerry Gonzalez of the Georgia Assocation of Latino Elected Officials.
"I think it does matter in the fact that it doesn't bring an immigrant or nonwhite perspective to the board," said Gonzalez.
GALEO is among those questioning the absence of nonwhite members of the board. GALEO and the Southern Poverty Law Center also take issue with Governor Deal's appointment of Phil Kent. Kent calls himself an opponent of multi-culturalism -- who has written about its effects on the whiteness of society.
"Phil Kent should resign or he should be removed," said Gonzalez.
I talked by phone with Phil Kent and requested an interview. He declined. In so doing he cited an interview that I had done Friday with Governor Deal's spokesman. It showed what he called "bias" by what he called a "gotcha reporter." You can see that interview here.
Kent said he'd talk with another reporter from 11 Alive News-- but then declined that request too.