Indiana Lt. Governor Sparks Outrage by Claiming Three-Fifths Compromise Ensured Equal Justice for All

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith ignited controversy with his misrepresentation of the Three-Fifths Compromise, suggesting it promoted equality. He argued it restricted Southern power over slavery, failing to acknowledge that it augmented Congressional representation for slaveholding states. Historians criticize the compromise as a morally ambiguous peacekeeping measure, invalidated by the 14th Amendment in 1868. Critics, including the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, have called for Beckwith’s retraction and apology, asserting his comments perpetuate a racist ideology undermining an accurate historical narrative. Opposition remains strong against Indiana's SB 289.