What’s the most racist city in Missouri?

Recently, a controversy down in Springfield provoked some strong language.

As the mayor and city council struggled with cutting the city budget, one service they thought could be eliminated was city’s Human Rights Commission, which investigates discrimination complaints. Earlier this month, the council cut the commission’s funding from $68,000 to a measly $1,000. During that meeting, the Human Rights Commission’s executive director, Kathy Clancy, begging the council to save her agency, said that “Springfield is seen as one of the most racist cities in Missouri.”

Knowing nothing about Springfield, I can only imagine Clancy’s reasons for giving her city that ignominious distinction (her official press release provides some insight).

But it made me wonder whether Springfield really was the state’s most racist city. Because I’ve always thought Kansas City could be a contender for that designation.