TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Democratic lawmaker is under investigation after nine GOP lawmakers complained about comments she made during a committee hearing.

The panel of three Republicans and three Democrats selected to look into the complaint held their opening hearing Wednesday. It will meet again to begin the investigation April 30.

The complaint concerns comments Valdenia Winn made during a House Education Committee meeting March 19th.

Winn criticized a bill to repeal a law giving a tuition break at public universities and colleges to young students living in the U.S. illegally.

Winn is black and called the proposal racist. Winn declined to comment after the panel’s meeting.

House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs said in a statement that the investigation is Republican attempt to silence a minority voice speaking out against discrimination.