The South Dakota Senate voted 23-12 on Tuesday on a bill that would add an American Indian to the state parole board.

Gov. Mike Rounds (R) and Democrat lawmakers supported the addition of a tribal member to the board. But nearly every Republican voting against the bill, saying the state shouldn't make appointments based on race.

State statistics show that Indians are treated differently in the justice system -- from trial to sentencing to parole -- despite committing no more crimes per capita than non-Indians.

Get the Story:
Bill requiring Indian on parole board dies (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 2/23)
Senate kills governor's bid to add American Indian to parole board (AP 2/22)

Preliminary Report:
Justice In South Dakota: Does Race Make A Difference? (October 2002)

Related Stories:
Indian lawmaker introduces racial profiling bill (02/03)
Report to downplay race as factor in justice system (07/20)
Race study confirms disparity (10/28)
S.D. study shows disparity in justice (10/22)