New Miss USA Is Not A Feminist, Says Healthcare Is A Privilege

By Brett White @brettwhite
Published May 15, 2017, 10:06 a.m. ET

After this weekend’s competition in Las Vegas, America has a new Miss USA—and she’s getting attention for her conservative talking points as well as her pageant-winning poise.

An African-American nuclear chemist, Kára McCullough represented the District of Columbia in the competition and beat out fellow finalists Miss New Jersey Chhavi Verg and Miss Minnesota Meridith Gould. During the show, she shared her conservative views on feminism and healthcare.

McCullough said she prefers not to use the word “feminist.” This came up when, in the final round, each competitor was asked about their definition of feminism. McCullough said she prefers the term “equalism.” “I don’t want to call myself a feminist,” she added. “Women, we are just as equal as men, especially in the workplace.”

The topic of healthcare also came up during the competition. That’s when McCullough stated that she believes healthcare is a “privilege” that comes tied to having a job. “As a government employee, I’m granted health care. And I see firsthand that for one, to have health care, you need to have jobs, so therefore we need to continue to cultivate this environment so that we’re given the opportunities to have health care as well as jobs for all Americans worldwide.” McCullough currently works for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The 25-year-old graduate of South Carolina state was also praised for sporting a natural, curly hairstyle during the competition and eschewing from the blowout trend that’s been prominent in recent pageants. McCullough stated that she wants to inspire children to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“I’m extremely thankful for this opportunity,” said McCullough after the event, as quoted by The Daily Mail. “I just want to encourage so many women nationwide to find their passion in any subject possible and understand that nothing is difficult if you really, truly put the work in for it.”

McCullough will next compete in the Miss Universe pageant.