On Wednesday, Representative Bobby Rush of Illinois wore a hoodie, or hooded sweatshirt, on the House floor. It was a move to show support for Trayvon Martin, the Florida teen killed while wearing a hoodie. Although, the attire was against House rules which require appropriate business attire be worn and Rush was escorted out of the chamber.
The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus was asked if the rules are unevenly enforced. "Oh, absolutely, and anyone up there will tell you that happens every day. People get in the back of the room with all kinds of things on and we've allowed it to slide. I don't think we can tolerate any of that anymore," Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri said.
House officials agree they need to enforce the rules so no one can say Rush was singled out because of politics, party, or race.
