Baton Rouge, LA –

"Louisiana is a proud state with rich culture and great hospitality to match that pride. It is not a state that openly tolerates such incivility of character that threatens to divide," said Ralph Johnson, YDL’s President. "Any leader who represents Louisiana should not only know its history but the importance of cooperation, understanding, and eschew any inkling of negative behavior that advances hatred and bigotry."

YDL is encouraged, however, that nearly half of the Young Republicans that attended the national convention in Indianapolis choose to support Ms. Shay’s opponent. It should signal to all of America that we are ready to move beyond the politics of hatred and move toward inclusivity.

Though displeased with some of Ms. Shay’s antics, YDL applauds Ms. Shay for issuing an apology and vowing to attend diversity training. President Johnson stated "I commend Audra for agreeing to take diversity training and I know deep down that she is not that person that has been portrayed in this ordeal. If she would like, I would be happy to go through the training with her because we all need it. Both parties must realize that our country operates much better when we work together towards common goals instead of focusing on and discriminating against the things that make us different."