Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Encourages Black Athletes To Leave Alabama If Anti-Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Bill Passes

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Encourages Black Athletes To Leave Alabama If Anti-Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Bill Passes

Mayor Randall Woodfin is pushing back on the proposal of an anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion bill in Alabama.

On Wednesday (Feb. 21), Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin criticized Alabama legislators on social media for proposing a bill that bans the teaching of “divisive concepts” and the support of “any diversity, equity, and inclusion program” in Alabama public schools and universities.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin

Senate Bill 129 was introduced by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, and filed on Tuesday (Feb. 20). The bill bears resemblance to previous proposals sponsored by Rep. Ed Oliver, R-Dadeville from 2022 and 2023.

If passed, the proposed legislation would prohibit public schools from endorsing “a divisive concept,” such as teaching that “slavery and racism are aligned with the founding principles of the United States” and that “fault, blame, or bias should be assigned to members of a race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin.”

Mayor Randall Woodfin

In a lengthy thread posted on X, Mayor Randall Woodfin wrote,

“Although I’m the biggest Bama fan, I have no problem organizing Black parents and athletes to attend other institutions outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are prioritized.”

He added,

“To the State of Alabama: Why would you make it illegal for institutions of higher learning to promote diversity and inclusion among its faculty and staff? Why would you block fair representation and opportunities for all people?”

Mayor Woodfin also discussed the bill’s potential impact on sports programs within the state’s universities, saying,

“To the leadership, athletic directors and coaches at University of Alabama, Auburn University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham: Do you support this prohibition of diversity and inclusion?”

Back in January, The Florida Board of Education approved regulations restricting the allocation of public funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, activities, and policies within the public college system.

The regulation adopted by the board barred Florida College System institutions from utilizing state or federal funds to facilitate programs falling under the state’s interpretation of DEI.

Mayor Randall Woodfin

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has repeatedly denounced DEI efforts as “indoctrination.” He and his administration have prioritized anti-“woke” initiatives throughout his tenure.

The board’s decision followed a judge’s move to block the Republican-backed “Stop WOKE” Act in Florida, which aimed to limit race-related curricula in colleges and universities. In the bill, WOKE stands for “Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees.”

Governor Ron Desantis

According to DEI experts, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs focus on rectifying disparities within an organization for marginalized groups. This might involve instituting accessibility measures for individuals with disabilities, rectifying discriminatory hiring practices, tackling gender and racial wage gaps, and other related initiatives.

In his posts on X, Mayor Woodfin concluded by saying,

“If supporting inclusion becomes illegal in this state, hell, you might as well stand in front of the school door like Governor Wallace. Mannnn it’s Black History Month. Y’all could have at least waited until March 1.”

What are your thoughts on the potential passing of the anti-DEI bill in Alabama? Tell us in the comments below!

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