Barney Frank to Black Degree Recipient: 'You Now Have a Hoodie You Can Wear & No One Will Shoot at You

On Sunday, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) spoke at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth undergraduate commencement ceremony, where he unleashed a bizarre comment surrounding Trayvon Martin and a black recipient who was at the event to receive an honorary degree. Frank, who was given the Chancellor's Distinguished Service Medal at the event, created such a surprise with his quip that the audience gasped (and some cheered) as a result.

So, what was it that the leftist lawmaker said that created such a stir? Frank, who seemed to be looking for laughs from those in attendance, commented about academic and social justice crusader Hubie Jones' honorary degree. The politician, who was clearly attempting to invoke the racial elements surrounding the Martin incident, said that Jones now has an academic hoodie that he can wear without anyone shooting at him.

"One of the great men that I've worked with Hubie for many years and I'm particularly pleased that Hubie got an honorary degree today," Frank told the audience. "You know, when you get an honorary degree they give you one of these [Frank then held up his hoodie] and Hubie, I think you now have a hoodie you can wear and no one will shoot at you. So, I think you'll feel, I hope, pretty protected by that."

Watch Frank make the bizarre statement, below:

(H/T: Real Clear Politics)