Saturday      (AP) — A Kansas State Board of Education member who was criticized for using a racial slur has recited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at a public discussion.

The Overland Park Republican Steve Roberts drew criticism in May after using the “N-word” at a state board meeting during an African-American history discussion. Roberts said that it was the 50th anniversary of King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and that King had used the “N-word” in his letter. He also said it was important to push the boundaries of political correctness.

On Friday, Roberts participated in a discussion at a Topeka park about the N-word, its history and whether its use is ever acceptable. The event was organized by Topeka activist Sonny Scroggins.

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AP) — A Kansas State Board of Education member who was criticized for using a racial slur has offered to recite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream”

speech at a public discussion.

Steve Roberts, a Republican from Overland Park, said Monday he’s offered to recite King’s famous speech from memory at the event Friday. The event is being organized by Topeka activist Sonny Scroggins to discuss the “N-word” and free speech.

Roberts drew criticism in May after he used the racial epithet at a state board meeting during a discussion on African-American history. Roberts said during that discussion that it was the 50th anniversary of King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and that King had used the “N-word” in his letter.