Dallas City Councilman Receives Backlash for Behavior During Council Meeting

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – A Dallas City Councilman is receiving backlash for his behavior during this week’s council meeting.

Longtime Dallas activist Marvin Crenshaw was speaking during Wednesday’s public comment portion of the meeting about a Pro-Palestinian movement when Councilman Lee Kleinman intervened, accusing Crenshaw of using “hate speech.”

Crenshaw was referring to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which is a Palestinian-led campaign promoting various forms of boycott against Israel. Kleinman interrupted Crenshaw and indicated to the Mayor that public comment policy prevents hate speech. Mayor Eric Johnson allowed Crenshaw to finish.

Photos taken by members of the audience were later posted online showing Kleinman turn his back to Crenshaw. In one photo Kleinman appears to give Crenshaw the finger.

Several Dallas residents living in Kleinman’s district (D11) said Thursday they were bothered by the Councilman’s reaction.

“Being a councilman you should respect your constituents who you represent and at least give them the decency to listen to what they have to say whether you like it or not,” said one North Dallas resident.

“To me that kind of behavior is just immature.” said another District 11 occupant.

Councilman Kleinman did not respond to questions from WBAP/KLIF about what prompted his reaction.